News
Giardino dei Giusti in Locarno: ‘A garden that needs looking after’ (it)
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the inauguration of the Giardino dei Giusti in Locarno. Check against delivery.
Ukraine: Switzerland adopts further EU sanctions against Belarus
On 18 September, the Federal Council decided to impose further sanctions on Belarus, aligning itself with the measures the European Union (EU) adopted against Belarus on 23 April. The changes will come into effect on 19 September.
OSCE Ministerial Council in Lugano: Armed Forces support and restriction on the use of airspace
At its meeting on 18 September 2026, the Federal Council approved the deployment of the Armed Forces in a supporting role to assist the civilian authorities with security arrangements during the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, which is to be held in Lugano on 3 and 4 December 2026. This deployment, which is subsidiary in nature, complements the security measures put in place by the civilian authorities.
Comprehensive approach to security: Federal Council adopts the 2026 Security Policy Strategy
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, hybrid threats and critical dependencies pose challenges for the state, the economy and society. With the 2026 Security Policy Strategy, the Federal Council is positioning Switzerland to navigate this environment. The strategic priorities for the coming years are to strengthen resilience, improve capabilities for resistance and protection, and strengthen defence capabilities. On 18 September, the Federal Council took note of the results of the consultation process and approved the Security Policy Strategy. Work has already begun on implementing its 10 objectives and 46 measures.
Launch of the Max Planck-Korea-PSI Center for Quantum Emergent Spintronics (KOMQUEST)
An international research partnership uniting leading institutions from Germany, Korea and Switzerland to advance the frontiers of quantum spintronics
State Secretary Martina Hirayama to travel to China on science mission and attend WorldSkills Competition
From 21 to 28 September, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, will lead a science mission to China. The programme includes ministerial-level meetings and visits to science and technology institutions in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai. At the end of the mission, she will attend the awards ceremony of the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai.
Economic forecast: 2026 growth stronger than previously expected
The Federal Government Expert Group on Business Cycles is raising its forecast for economic growth in Switzerland. For 2026, it now expects growth of 1.7% (June forecast: 0.9%), while the forecast for 2027 remains unchanged at 1.6% [1]. Swiss GDP has recently grown strongly. However, the Iran conflict, high energy prices and continuing uncertainty over trade policy pose significant risks to the economic outlook.
Personalized medicine: An earlier asthma diagnosis could bring relief
Although asthma is the most common chronic condition in childhood, current tests can only diagnose it from the age of five. However, an early asthma diagnosis would be important to prevent long-term complications. Researchers from Empa and the University Children’s Hospital Zurich have now launched a joint research project – with the aim of developing a novel diagnostic protocol so that babies and young children can also receive a reliable diagnosis as early as possible. The project is being carried out thanks to generous funding from various foundations.
National Armaments Director visits the Czech Republic
National Armaments Director Urs Loher will visit the Czech Republic on 16 September 2026. During his visit, the National Armaments Director will be meeting with the Czech National Armaments Director, General Jan Gurník, as well as representatives from industry.
State Secretary Markus Mäder on official visit to The Hague
Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, will travel to The Hague in the Netherlands from 16 to 17 September 2026. The visit will focus on bilateral talks with senior representatives of the Dutch authorities as well as discussions with Sabrina Dallafior, Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Novel Particle Beam Could Challenge Einstein’s Theory of Gravity
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and ETH Zurich have produced an intense, cold beam of exotic atoms. They aim to use this to test a fundamental principle of Einstein’s theory of gravity – the universality of free fall.
OECD analysis of Switzerland’s economic policy: Switzerland is well positioned – reforms needed to ensure competitiveness
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published its report on Switzerland’s economic policy on 15 September. The OECD commends Switzerland’s economic policy approach. In light of a wide range of challenges, the report also identifies the need for action to safeguard Switzerland’s competitiveness and innovative capacity over the long term. This includes further reforming the healthcare and pension systems, reducing the administrative burden on businesses, utilising labour potential more effectively and increasing competition.