Newslist

The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, ETH Zurich and the University of Amsterdam have directly observed the optical Magnus effect for the first time. This phenomenon is the optical counterpart of an effect from classical mechanics. It is relevant to quantum computing because it can influence the precise control of qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information.

The general government, comprising the Confederation, cantons, municipalities and social security schemes, is expected to generate a financing surplus of around CHF 4 billion in 2025. The general government's gross debt, as defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is expected to rise by around CHF 5.4 billion to CHF 353.2 billion in 2025 (40.7% of GDP).This is shown in the latest financial statistics figures, which are available on the website of the Federal Finance Administration:Main aggregatesDetailed FS data (financial statistics, for national comparability)Detailed GFS data (Government Finance Statistics, based on the IMF standard)International comparison

From landmark architecture to street signs, our built environment is exposed to the elements. But which atmospheric factors must new buildings be protected from? And how can the “ravages of time” be slowed down when it comes to World Heritage sites? Empa researchers analyze the corrosion of metal building components and are working on an economical and sustainable approach to combating corrosion.

In the 2nd quarter 2026, total employment (excluding agriculture) in Switzerland rose by 2.0% compared with the same quarter of the previous year (seasonally adjusted, +0.5% over previous quarter). Enterprises reported 2.7% more job vacancies than a year earlier and difficulties recruiting skilled workers have increased compared with the previous quarter. The employment outlook remains positive. These are some of the latest findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Between 2023 and 2025, the unemployment rate (based on the ILO definition) one year after graduation rose among graduates of Swiss universities and institutes of technology (UIT) and universities of applied sciences (UAS). It rose from 3.9% to 6.4% among holders of a UIT master’s degree and from 3.4% to 4.9% among holders of a UAS bachelor’s degree. Among graduates of universities of teacher education (UTE), it remained low at just 0.7%. These are some of the results of the Swiss Graduate Survey, conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Thin films made of metal oxides are the key technology behind most of our electronics. However, surprisingly little is known about the mechanical properties of these nanometer-scale technological marvels. Empa researcher Vivek Devulapalli aims to close this knowledge gap. He has been awarded a two-year Empa Young Scientist Fellowship for his research project.

Switzerland’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 1.6% in 2025 at the previous year’s prices. This continued growth compared with 2024 (+1.5%) is linked to strong domestic demand (+2.5 %). Investment in particular (+3.5 per cent) was the main driver of this GDP growth. Gross national income (GNI) at current prices registered an increase of 2.5%, reflecting an improved balance of income with other countries. These initial estimates for 2025 from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) are accompanied by a revision of 2024 GDP growth at previous year's prices, which is now set at 1.5% compared with 1.4% in the initial estimates.

Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) at the summer event of the think tank metrobasel – Check against delivery.

At Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, first positrons have been successfully produced at a test source for CERN’s proposed next-generation particle collider, which could succeed the Large Hadron Collider. The source, installed at the X-ray free electron laser SwissFEL, uses new technologies including high-temperature superconducting magnets to achieve a high yield of positrons. The achievement shows the feasibility of the positron-source concept and marks an important milestone in developing the technologies needed for electron-positron colliders.

Measures to combat fraudulent calls made in the name of public authorities are proving effective. The number of reports fell by over 75 per cent in July following the extension of the mandatory caller ID requirement to calls from abroad that use spoofed Swiss numbers. Nevertheless, the threat of cybercrime remains high: in the first half of 2026, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) received 27,128 voluntary reports and 200 mandatory reports of attacks on critical infrastructure. The latest NCSC semi-annual report also highlights how cybercriminals are using AI to carry out increasingly personalised attacks.

Leaves turning brown as early as July, and watercourses running at record-low levels: the summer of 2026 was extremely dry and hot. Researchers from WSL and SLF answer frequently asked questions.

Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter will attend this year's meeting of the finance ministers of German-speaking countries in Liechtenstein on 24 August 2026. The main focus will be on long-term financial policy challenges, financial sector resilience and the strengthening of European competitiveness.

A look ahead to the future of flying: on August 20, the “aerobrew” demonstration plant was officially inaugurated on the campus of the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI. It is a joint project of PSI and the Zurich-based company Metafuels. Here the production of sustainable aviation fuel is being tested and prepared for commercialisation: synthetic kerosene produced in an exceptionally efficient way.

President Guy Parmelin and Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao announced on 20 August, during a meeting in Bern, that negotiations on the optimisation of the free trade agreement (FTA) between Switzerland and the People’s Republic of China had been concluded.

On 20 August, the president of the Swiss Confederation and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), Guy Parmelin, welcomed CERN Director-General Mark Thomson for a working visit to Bern. Together, they reviewed the ties between CERN and Switzerland, where the organisation’s headquarters are located. Mr Parmelin assured the CERN Director-General of Switzerland’s support to ensure that CERN remains the global benchmark in particle physics.

On 31 December 2025, Switzerland’s permanent resident population was 9 127 100, 0.8% more than in 2024. Population growth therefore continued but at a slower pace in a year with lower immigration and higher emigration. Mobility inside Switzerland’s national borders decreased in 2025. Demographic ageing has intensified, with a population aged 65 or over that now exceeds the population aged under 20. These are the final results of the Population and Households Statistics (STATPOP) from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

In 2024, the Swiss economy numbered some 5.68 million jobs, equating to growth of 0.6 per cent compared with 2023. This increase is the second lowest recorded since 2011. Growth was observed in all major regions except Ticino. Between 2011 and 2024, more than 810 000 jobs were created in Switzerland. Almost all of these new jobs were in the service sector. These are the latest results from the Structural Business Statistics (STATENT) of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Desert sand is not suited for agriculture – but perhaps that might change. Researchers at Empa and Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi have investigated a first step in this direction by introducing microorganisms into the sand. The bacteria and fungi secrete biopolymers that make sand more resistant to erosion and slow down the rate at which water seeps through. This could potentially enable the growth of further microorganisms and plants.

On 19 August, the Federal Council decided to adopt the further measures from the European Union’s (EU) 20th sanctions package against Russia in line with previous practice. The new measures will take effect on 20 August. Switzerland already added 115 individuals and entities to its sanctions list on 22 May.

On 19.08.2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER updated the notification and authorisation forms for money transfers pursuant to Art. 21 of the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. As of August 26, only the updated forms will be accepted. The forms can be accessed here.

Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) at the 2026 Ambassadors’ Conference in Bern. The guest of honour was the German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul – Check against delivery.

The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.

There is still no sign of lasting stabilisation in the situation in Ukraine. Status S for people from Ukraine seeking protection will therefore be extended to 4 March 2028. Support measures for people with protection status S (Programme S) will also continue until that date. The Federal Council decided this at its meeting on 19 August, following consultation with the relevant stakeholders. In addition, protection status S will be restricted for certain further groups of people from 20 August.

During its meeting on 19 August 2026, the Federal Council decided to bring the Federal Act on the International Automatic Exchange of Information on Salary Data into force with effect from 1 January 2027. The Federal Council is thus laying the legal foundations for the exchange of information set down in agreements with France and Italy.

A narwhal tale with a twist

The University of St Gallen published in August a new periodic Use Assessment Study of the EasyGov electronic platform on behalf of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The results clearly show that EasyGov saves Swiss SMEs a considerable amount of time and money.

On 17 August 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER has amended annexes 12, 13 and 14 of the ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The entries relating to six individuals have been removed, the entry relating to one entity has been amended, and two individuals and one entity have been added to the annexes. The measures come into force on 18 August 2026 at 11 p.m.

In the 2nd quarter 2026, the number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 0.8% year-on-year. The unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) rose from 4.6% to 4.9% in Switzerland, whereas in the EU it remained at 5.9%. These are some of the results of the Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS) conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The third Rhone correction is the largest flood protection project in Switzerland. It is aimed at protecting over 100,000 people from flood events and prevent damage worth up to CHF 10 billion. This once-in-a-generation project will cost CHF 3.6 billion, and was given the go-ahead in 2016. It involves around 870 hectares of land, including arable land for which the compensation has not yet been clarified in the Valais. The canton of Valais undertook a project revision in 2024. The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) examined whether the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) had taken the risks to and interests of the Confederation into account. It concluded that the FOEN actively exercises its supervision and has reduced financial risks to the Confederation since 2022 by suspending payments for pre-funded services. The SFAO also examined whether the FOEN had implemented past recommendations. This was the case for three of the four recommendations, while the recommendation on subsidy refunds was not implemented.

The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.

On 14.08.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annexes 2 and 14a to the ordinance. In this context, one entity was removed from Annex 14a, and the entries concerning 610 individuals and entities were amended in Annex 2. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 17.08.2026.

Diplomats and scientists from Switzerland and Africa came together today at the University of Bern for a workshop entitled ‘Science Diplomacy in Practice’. The workshop was organised by the FDFA and the Universities of Bern and Basel with the aim of strengthening synergies between research, innovation, and diplomacy. Participants praised the breadth of existing initiatives and discussed new ways to more closely link the scientific community with Swiss and African diplomatic networks.

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.

Ansprache von Bundespräsident Guy Parmelin, Vorsteher des Eidgenössischen Departements für Wirtschaft, Bildung und Forschung anlässlich der Eröffnung des Lucerne Festivals 2026, Luzern am Freitag, 14. August 2026

Improve, connect, understand: Data and statistics in the age of artificial intelligence

On 15 August 2026, Switzerland will take part in the celebrations marking the 975th anniversary of Kyiv's Pechersk Lavra monastery complex through the Federal Council delegate for Ukraine, Jacques Gerber. To mark the anniversary, Switzerland is announcing a contribution of CHF 600,000 to prepare for the cave monastery's restoration following damage sustained in a Russian air strike in June 2026 – and to protect it from further damage.

The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.

On Friday 14 August 2026 the canton of Fribourg officially handed over the keys to Agroscope’s new laboratory building in Posieux to the Swiss Confederation. The ceremony was attended by President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin and delegations from the Fribourg State Council and the Agroscope executive board as well as the Federal Offices for Agriculture (FOAG) and Buildings and Logistics (FOBL). Thus the centrepiece of Agroscope’s new site strategy is now ready for use.

Production of the Swiss F-35A is proceeding as planned: The first fuselage section was assembled with the first wing in Cameri, Italy. Cameri is home to the only F-35 final assembly line in Europe and is part of the international production network. The first F-35A from Cameri is to be transferred directly to Switzerland in mid-2028.

The Interdepartmental Coordinating Group on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism (CGMF) has published its risk analysis on money laundering and legal entities. The National Risk Assessment (NRA): Legal Entities and Legal Arrangements shows that foreign legal entities and complex legal structures, in particular, pose an increased risk of money laundering. The Federal Council was informed about these findings at its meeting on 12 August 2026.

According to the early estimate of Switzerland's quarterly real GDP approximately 45 days after the quarter end ('GDP flash'), the Swiss economy is estimated to have grown by 1.5% in the second quarter of 2026 [1].The industrial sector made the largest contribution to growth, which was driven in particular by the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The services sector also grew as a whole.Note: The flash estimate is based on early information available on the production components of GDP. Estimates are used where values are not yet available. The result may therefore change after the complete and updated source data become available. The regular release of quarterly GDP figures, including details on production, expenditure and income as well as updated calculations for the previous quarters, will be published on 3 September 2026.[1] Adjusted for seasonal/calendar effects and sporting events Growth relative to the previous quarter.

Detecting water where none remains today: neutron and X-ray tomography make it possible. In an international study conducted with the participation of the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, researchers have brought to light macroscopic hydrogen-rich regions inside a Martian meteorite. The findings provide evidence for early water–rock interactions on Mars.

A new notification of cessation of the investigation (aviation) is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB).

The Producer and Import Price Index fell in July 2026 by 0.1% compared with the previous month, to 99.6 points (December 2025 = 100). In particular, petroleum and natural gas, as well as petroleum products, saw falling prices. Compared with July 2025, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products fell by 2.1%. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

In 2025, Swissmedic carried out 28 inspections of reprocessing, maintenance and vigilance activities for medical devices at 26 Swiss hospitals and two service providers. The results of the inspections show that there is still a considerable need for action to ensure fulfilment of legal requirements. At the same time, Swissmedic’s market surveillance activities are having a positive impact in terms of the signal they send and their steering effect. Several hospitals recognised the need for improvement at an early stage and have planned or already initiated actions to improve device safety of their own volition.

Laser cutting of metals is a powerful and flexible process. However, depending on the material’s thickness and properties, adjusting the cutting machines can be a time-consuming process. Researchers at Empa, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), and the machine manufacturer Bystronic developed a method in an Innosuisse project that allows the laser to assess the cut quality itself using cameras and microphones and, if necessary, adjust it immediately.

At its meeting on 12 August, the Federal Council set out the strategic direction and project organisation for the Geneva AI Summit 2027. It appointed Fabiola Gianotti as its Delegate. The former Director-General of CERN is tasked with implementing the defined objectives.

During its meeting on 12 August 2026, the Federal Council launched the consultation on amendments to the Banking Act and the Liquidity Ordinance. The proposed measures complete the overall package aimed at strengthening the stability of the financial centre. The requirements on bank governance and on crisis preparations for systemically important banks are to be increased. In addition, the tools and powers of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) are to be extended, and banks' access to liquidity from the Swiss National Bank (SNB) is to be expanded. The consultations will run until 19 November 2026.

At its meeting on 12 August 2026, the Federal Council adopted its statement on the ‘Constitutional amendment concerning the Bilaterals III’ parliamentary initiative submitted by the Political Institutions Committee of the Council of States (PIC-S). This initiative calls for a transitional provision in the Federal Constitution which provides for the ratification of the agreements on the stabilisation of relations between Switzerland and the EU by the Federal Council. This would mean that these agreements would be subject to a mandatory referendum. On 30 April 2025, the Federal Council came out in favour of an optional referendum on an international treaty and confirmed this decision when adopting its dispatch of 13 March 2026. It has today reaffirmed its position and requested that the Council of States does not enter into deliberations on the PIC-S’s parliamentary initiative.