Ambassadors' Conference: focus on Swiss–EU package and international challenges
Bern, 17.08.2026 — This year's annual Swiss Ambassadors' Conference is being held in Bern from 17 to 21 August. Its theme is ‘Global disorder: Switzerland in Europe and the world’. The Swiss-EU package is one of the priority topics at the 2026 event. Discussions will also centre on the international situation, Switzerland's scope of action on foreign policy, and relations with key partners. With these issues in mind, as part of the Conference Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will receive German Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul for an open forum with the Swiss diplomatic corps.
On the Tuesday of this year's Ambassadors' Conference (18 August), delegates will be concentrating on the Swiss-EU package. Representatives of the FDFA and other federal offices will provide an update on the outcome of negotiations and on the parliamentary process. In dialogue with politicians, economists and academics, participants will also discuss the key elements of the package – including the free movement of persons, wage protection, state aid, programmes and the electricity agreement – and what they mean for Switzerland.
Ignazio Cassis to receive German foreign minister Wadephul
On Wednesday, 19 August, head of the FDFA Mr Cassis will receive German foreign minister Wadephul as part of the ministerial segment of the Conference. Exchange between the two foreign ministers and the ambassadors will focus on the international situation, the role of Europe in the world, Swiss and German room for manoeuvre, and shared challenges in a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions. The forum offers an opportunity to talk about the close working relationship between Switzerland and Germany and their common political interests in Europe and internationally.
Prevailing foreign policy challenges
The Ambassadors' Conference runs until Friday, 21 August. Further issues on the agenda as it progresses include the global political situation, Swiss foreign and economic diplomacy, the new international cooperation paradigm, the Consular Strategy and how foreign policy feeds into security policy.
Dialogue and tradition
Each year the Conference gathers together the heads of mission who represent Switzerland abroad with members of the Federal Council and other Federal Administration representatives. This direct dialogue allows diplomats to familiarise themselves with current domestic and foreign policy developments and to discuss Switzerland's foreign policy priorities. This year's programme also includes a group excursion: President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin has invited participants to round off the Conference in the canton of Vaud.
The Swiss Ambassadors' Conference enjoys a long tradition. It was first held in 1887, was suspended during the Second World War, then resumed in 1945.