OSCE Chairman-in-Office does not answer NEWS.am's question about Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan (VIDEO)
news.am/en/news/1068058
OSCE Chairman-in-Office does not answer NEWS.am's question about Armenian ...
Council of States approves new EU package, but criticism comes not only from the SVP
nzz.ch/schweiz/der-staenderat-beginnt-mit-der-grossen-eu-debatte-svp-chiesa-spricht-vor-kolonialer-beziehung-ld.10025740
Council of States approves new EU package, but criticism comes not only ...
Cassis meets Lavrov - | Lavrov greets him with a joke about the EU: Ignazio Cassis meets Sergei Lavrov at the UN in New York and invites both foreign ministers ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/cassis-trifft-lawrow-dieser-begruesst-ihn-mit-einem-witz-ueber-die-eu/
Cassis meets Lavrov - | Lavrov greets him with a joke about the EU
Kobakhidze: We discussed Georgia’s cooperation with the OSCE and our active participation in the organization’s key areas of work
georgiatoday.ge/kobakhidze-we-discussed-georgias-cooperation-with-the-osce-and-our-active-participation-in-the-organizations-key-areas-of-work/
Kobakhidze: We discussed Georgia’s cooperation with the OSCE and our ...
Cassis: Swiss want to get Ukraine peace talks back on track: “We want to play our part in getting the peace talks back on track,” said Foreign Minister Ignazio ...
swissinfo.ch/eng/various/cassis-switzerland-wants-to-get-peace-talks-back-on-track/92049612
Cassis: Swiss want to get Ukraine peace talks back on track
Anti-neutrality shot: The Foreign Department wants to "immunize" the people against the neutrality initiative, as internal documents show.
weltwoche.ch/story/anti-neutralitaets-spritze/
Anti-neutrality shot: The Foreign Department wants to
Italy has not yet paid Graubünden its Olympic contribution.: The cost-sharing commitment from the Italian region of Lombardy for Graubünden's transportation ...
sarganserlaender.ch/artikel/italien-hat-olympia-beitrag-an-graubuenden-noch-nicht-bezahlt
Italy has not yet paid Graubünden its Olympic contribution.
Soon, a sequence of sounds will commemorate a victim of National Socialism three times an hour in Bern. Switzerland's first Holocaust memorial is to be ... Show more
“Switzerland is no longer neutral”: Diplomat Paul Widmer on Russia sanctions, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and the neutrality initiative
weltwoche.ch/daily/schweiz-ist-nicht-mehr-neutral-diplomat-paul-widmer-ueber-russland-sanktionen-bundesrat-ignazio-cassis-und-die-neutralitaetsinitiative/
“Switzerland is no longer neutral”: Diplomat Paul Widmer on Russia ...
Federal Councillor Cassis' provocative signal: Switzerland is moving ever closer to the EU sanctions front
weltwoche.ch/daily/bundesrat-cassis-provokantes-signal-die-schweiz-rueckt-immer-naeher-an-die-eu-sanktionsfront/
Federal Councillor Cassis' provocative signal: Switzerland is moving ...
Who will go first? Wadephul and the Merz government or Cassis and the FDP's seat on the Federal Council?
weltwoche.ch/story/wer-geht-zuerst/
Who will go first? Wadephul and the Merz government or Cassis and the ...
Cassis's slash-and-burn approach: Federal Councillors Ignazio Cassis and Guy Parmelin pull off a small Trumpian coup, Swiss-style.
republik.ch/2026/08/19/cassis-kahlschlag
Cassis's slash-and-burn approach
Key FactsPlanned overhaul of Swiss development cooperation
Aug 19, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: republik.ch
  • The Federal Council plans to cut long-term development cooperation by nearly a quarter and increase humanitarian aid by 60 percent.

  • Under the proposed reorganization, SECO would focus on emerging economies and Eastern Europe, while SDC would be responsible for Africa and several Asian countries; Switzerland would fully withdraw from Ghana, South Africa, Azerbaijan and all of Latin America.

  • The administration is expected to implement the overhaul from 2027, although Parliament will not decide on the next international cooperation strategy until 2028.

  • Signatories of an open letter and former development officials warn that the reform could shift the focus away from the structural causes of poverty and crises.
  • Development cooperation must be dispensable.
    — Ignazio Cassis, Foreign Minister, at a press conference
Basel under pressure: Democracy and authority clash: At Metrobasel's summer event, liberal and more authoritarian ideas clashed. Among the guests were ...
bzbasel.ch/basel/basel-stadt/basel-unter-druck-demokratie-und-autoritaet-im-streit-ld.4224007
Basel under pressure: Democracy and authority clash
"Free riders": Massive EU interference against the neutrality initiative. Foreign Minister Cassis defends the adoption of EU sanctions ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/trittbrettfahrer-massive-eu-einmischung-gegen-neutralitaets-initiative-aussenminister-cassis-verteidigt-neutralitaetswidrige-uebernahme-der-eu-sanktionen-schweiz-faellt-zurueck/
Neutrality is not a catch-all phrase, Mr. Federal Councillor Cassis. It must endure even when it becomes inconvenient.
weltwoche.ch/daily/neutralitaet-ist-kein-gummiparagraf-herr-bundesrat-cassis-sie-muss-bestand-haben-auch-dann-wenn-es-unbequem-wird/
Neutrality is not a catch-all phrase, Mr. Federal Councillor Cassis ...
Cassis Department: "Neutrality enables cohesion": Swiss neutrality strengthens internal cohesion and protects the country. The Department of Foreign Affairs ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/cassis-departement-neutralitaet-ermoeglicht-zusammenhalt/
Cassis Department:
Neutrality initiative: Politicians demand protection from Russian interference: Moscow's interference in the neutrality initiative is worrying politicians ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/neutralitaetsinitiative-politik-fordert-schutz-vor-einmischung-russlands-880464896940
Neutrality initiative: Politicians demand protection from Russian ...
Swiss businesses have invested about €4.5 billion in Greece: On the occasion of the opening of the Swiss House of Culture, Research, and Diplomacy ...
ekathimerini.com/in-depth/interviews-in-depth/1311678/swiss-businesses-have-invested-about-e4-5-billion-in-greece/
Swiss businesses have invested about €4.5 billion in Greece
Cassis sacrifices Swiss soft power for austerity measures: The Federal Council is implementing a drastic restructuring of development aid ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/cassis-opfert-schweizer-soft-power-fuer-sparmassnahmen-982562460702
Cassis sacrifices Swiss soft power for austerity measures
#WATCH : Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meets Swiss Federal Council Vice President Ignazio Cassis at the Burgenstock hotel complex ahead of high-level ... Show more
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis held a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to discuss recent developments regarding Iran
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani meets Switzerland’s Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis to discuss bilateral ties and diplomatic ... Show more
10 Million Switzerland: Interview with Federal Councilor Cassis: The foreign minister weighs in on the referendum campaign. He explains his support for the ...
bazonline.ch/10-millionen-schweiz-bundesrat-cassis-im-interview-dazu-342835101708
10 Million Switzerland: Interview with Federal Councilor Cassis
The Federal Council flew more often in 2025 - | one in particular stands out: The Federal Council flew significantly more often in 2025: Flight hours increased ...
bluewin.ch/de/news/schweiz/bundesratsmitglieder-sitzen-2025-wieder-etwas-mehr-im-flieger-3276107.html
The Federal Council flew more often in 2025 - | one in particular stands ...
🔴BREAKING: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, expresses hope that the US-Iran efforts will contribute to regional peace and stability ... Show more
Majority of Cantons in Bilateral Agreements III: Parliament is weakening itself: In the debate on the majority of cantons, Parliament is bending the rules in all ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/staendemehr-bei-bilateralen-iii-das-parlament-trickst-sich-schwach-187321435781
Majority of Cantons in Bilateral Agreements III: Parliament is weakening ...
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis maintains good relations with Italy - | but fails to stop the Italians from bashing Switzerland over Crans-Montana
weltwoche.ch/daily/bundesrat-ignazio-cassis-pflegt-gute-beziehungen-mit-italien-schafft-es-aber-nicht-die-italiener-vom-schweiz-bashing-wegen-crans-montana-abzubringen/
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis maintains good relations with Italy - | ...
Cassis irritates Berlin: Federal Council abandons Germany in the race for a UN seat
weltwoche.ch/daily/cassis-irritiert-berlin-bundesrat-laesst-deutschland-im-rennen-um-uno-sitz-fallen/
Cassis irritates Berlin: Federal Council abandons Germany in the race for ...
Erdogan's diplomatic triumph: The fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum was a great success for Turkey. Highlights included the speeches by the Turkish president ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/erdogans-triumph-der-diplomatie/
Erdogan's diplomatic triumph: The fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum was a ...
Majority of cantons for far-reaching EU treaties: Federal Councillor Cassis's underhanded tactic fails to gain a majority according to a Sotomo poll
weltwoche.ch/daily/staendemehr-fuer-tiefgreifende-eu-vertraege-das-buebetrickli-von-bundesrat-cassis-findet-laut-sotomo-umfrage-keine-mehrheit/
Majority of cantons for far-reaching EU treaties: Federal Councillor ...
Podcast «Politbüro»: «Cassis is the only one who isn't allowed to call it 'muddling through'!» - | «It just doesn't come across as if we have ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/durchwursteln-ignazio-cassis-erklaert-begriff-zur-kernkompetenz-402221134502
Podcast «Politbüro»: «Cassis is the only one who isn't allowed to call ...
Erich Hess is running again for the Bern Grand Council.: Ignazio Cassis gazes into the distance, as does Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (with her glasses) ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/erich-hess-kandidiert-erneut-fuer-berner-grossrat-556029404652
Erich Hess is running again for the Bern Grand Council.
The neutrality initiative is already having an effect: In the Iran war, Foreign Minister Cassis leaves no doubt about Switzerland's position.
weltwoche.ch/daily/neutralitaetsinitiative-entfaltet-jetzt-schon-wirkung-im-iran-krieg-laesst-aussenminister-cassis-keine-zweifel-an-der-position-der-schweiz-aufkommen/
The neutrality initiative is already having an effect: In the Iran war ...
Switzerland: Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and the strategy of "muddling through"
sueddeutsche.de/politik/schweiz-usa-iran-aussenminister-cassis-li.3457507
Switzerland: Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and the strategy of
Middle East war risks becoming unpredictable, Switzerland warns: The Middle East war risks becoming unpredictable in terms of its duration and outcome ...
thelocal.ch/20260321/middle-east-war-risks-becoming-unpredictable-switzerland-warns
Middle East war risks becoming unpredictable, Switzerland warns
Ignazio Cassis in an interview: Power politics dominates: While conflicts around the globe escalate, Switzerland appears as an island of stability ...
watson.ch/!925019846
Ignazio Cassis in an interview: Power politics dominates
Is Cassis organizing his departure with these delicate decisions?: There's turmoil in the Foreign Minister's department. While close confidants of ...
bluewin.ch/de/news/schweiz/organisiert-cassis-mit-diesen-heiklen-entscheiden-seinen-abgang-3119475.html
Is Cassis organizing his departure with these delicate decisions?
Key FactsCassis’ Departure Marked by Controversial Staff Moves
Mar 1, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bluewin.ch
  • Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis is expected to leave the Federal Council by mid-2028.

  • Close aides such as Markus Seiler and Cédric Stucky are receiving key ambassadorial assignments.

  • The department's personnel decisions face criticism for a lack of transparency and fairness.

  • Parliamentary bodies and politicians express concerns over favoritism compromising equality.
  • The EDA's personnel policy should be professional, fair, and transparent. Today, unfortunately, that is not always the case.
    — Fabian Molina, SP National Councillor, criticizing the EDA's personnel policy.
Switzerland – EU: Federal Council refers Bilateral Agreements III to Parliament: The package is now in the hands of Parliament. Discussions there will become ...
nzz.ch/schweiz/schweiz-eu-nach-zwoelf-jahren-ueberweist-der-bundesrat-die-neuen-abkommen-an-das-parlament-jetzt-live-ld.1929124
Switzerland – EU: Federal Council refers Bilateral Agreements III to ...
Many left-wing victories in elections and referendums. Federal Councillor Cassis shreds neutrality. Baden-Württemberg: A thrashing for Merz ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/viele-linke-siege-bei-wahlen-und-abstimmungen-bundesrat-cassis-schreddert-die-neutralitaet-baden-wuerttemberg-klatsche-fuer-brandmauer-merz/
Many left-wing victories in elections and referendums. Federal Councillor ...
Switzerland and EU deepen foreign and security policy: Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and the European Union's High Representative for Foreign ...
swissinfo.ch/eng/various/switzerland-and-the-eu-deepen-foreign-and-security-policy/91049254
Switzerland and EU deepen foreign and security policy
Key FactsEU and Switzerland Deepen Security and Foreign Ties
Mar 6, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thelocal.ch
  • EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis signed a joint declaration to strengthen collaboration in foreign policy and security.

  • Switzerland will gain easier access to joint civilian and military missions aimed at maintaining European stability while retaining case-by-case decision-making to preserve neutrality.

  • An annual political dialogue between senior diplomats is established to boost coordination amid global conflicts that impact Europe directly.

  • Kallas praised Switzerland’s recent easing of export restrictions on arms to 25 countries, including multiple EU nations, as a constructive development.
  • The recent military escalation between the United States, Israel and Iran shows one thing very clearly: today, no regional conflict stays regional.
    — Ignazio Cassis, Swiss foreign minister, at a press conference in Zurich after the signing.
Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi, spoke with Swiss Vice President Ignazio Cassis to discuss the ongoing US-Iran negotiations facilitated by Oman in ... Show more
Cassis visited Lavrov in Moscow - | this is how the meeting went: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, as the current OSCE President, called for an end to the war ...
bluewin.ch/de/news/international/cassis-hat-russland-werkzeuge-zur-beendigung-des-kriegs-praesentiert-3084310.html
Cassis visited Lavrov in Moscow - | this is how the meeting went
Key FactsOSCE President Pushes Peace Talks in Moscow Visit
Feb 7, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bluewin.ch
  • Ignazio Cassis urged an end to the Ukraine conflict during his visit as OSCE President to Moscow.

  • He proposed the OSCE as a mediator and introduced its tools for negotiating a peaceful resolution.

  • The organization demanded the release of three detained OSCE employees to support diplomatic progress.

  • Secretary General Sinirlioglu highlighted the OSCE’s crucial role in restoring European security frameworks.
  • Almost four years after the start of the war, civilians continue to suffer. Attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure cause long-term damage.
    — Ignazio Cassis on the humanitarian situation in the Ukraine war.
Trip for 11,000 Swiss francs 💰🛩 Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis traveled to Geneva on Saturday in the Federal Council jet to attend the FDP delegates' ... Show more
He's sending his Secretary General to the Bahamas: Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis is likely to resign in the foreseeable future
weltwoche.ch/daily/er-schickt-seinen-generalsekretaer-in-die-bahamas-aussenminister-ignazio-cassis-duerfte-in-absehbarer-zeit-zuruecktreten/
He's sending his Secretary General to the Bahamas: Foreign Minister ...
Markus Seiler: Secretary General to become Ambassador to Canada: The head of the Foreign Office's central office will become ambassador to Canada ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/markus-seiler-generalsekretaer-wird-botschafter-in-kanada-566007286984
Markus Seiler: Secretary General to become Ambassador to Canada
Swiss foreign minister ‘cautiously optimistic’ ahead of Geneva Ukraine talks: Speaking to Swiss public television SRF, Ignazio Cassis said “Russia wants to take ...
swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/swiss-foreign-minister-sees-cautious-optimism-ahead-of-ukraine-talks-in-geneva/90943636
Swiss foreign minister ‘cautiously optimistic’ ahead of Geneva Ukraine ...
Ignazio Cassis: Charges filed for complicity in Gaza crimes: Due to military cooperation, Switzerland bears complicity in Israel's war crimes in Gaza ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/ignazio-cassis-anzeige-wegen-mitschuld-an-gaza-verbrechen-816334890627
Ignazio Cassis: Charges filed for complicity in Gaza crimes
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Moscow on Friday. The focus of the visit on February 6 will be "the ... Show more
Switzerland and Russia clash on value of OSCE: The OSCE is the most important institution for supporting the peace process in Ukraine, said its chair ...
swissinfo.ch/eng/various/contrasting-positions-of-mr-cassis-and-mr-lavrov-on-the-osce/90901911
Switzerland and Russia clash on value of OSCE
St. Gallen: Cassis opens OSCE conference on antisemitism: The first of five international conferences on the Swiss OSCE chairmanship in 2026 is starting in St ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/st-gallen-cassis-eroeffnet-osze-konferenz-zu-antisemitismus-303287447775
St. Gallen: Cassis opens OSCE conference on antisemitism
Cassis in the Kremlin, Trump's big show – | But Ukraine continues to freeze.: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis wants to revive the old OSCE in Kyiv and ...
bluewin.ch/de/news/international/was-cassis-im-osten-macht-wie-die-schweiz-gesehen-wird-und-wie-krieg-und-frieden-verlaufen-3081059.html
Cassis in the Kremlin, Trump's big show – | But Ukraine continues to ...
St. Gallen: OSCE conference with Federal Councillor Cassis on the topic of "Antisemitism"
tagblatt.ch/ostschweiz/stgallen/stgallen-osze-konferenz-mit-bundesrat-cassis-zum-thema-antisemitismus-ld.4116544
St. Gallen: OSCE conference with Federal Councillor Cassis on the topic of ...
Federal Councillor Cassis mobilizes OSCE against anti-Semitism: Switzerland is mobilizing the OSCE against anti-Semitism. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis ...
bzbasel.ch/basel/basel-stadt/bundesrat-cassis-mobilisiert-osze-gegen-antisemitismus-ld.4116375
Federal Councillor Cassis mobilizes OSCE against anti-Semitism
International Law Lawsuit Against Cassis: Why Everyone Who Still Believes in Switzerland Should Support the Lawsuit Against the Swiss Foreign Minister
weltwoche.ch/daily/voelkerrechts-klage-gegen-cassis-warum-jeder-der-noch-an-die-schweiz-glaubt-die-klage-gegen-den-schweizer-aussenminister-unterstuetzen-sollte/
International Law Lawsuit Against Cassis: Why Everyone Who Still Believes ...
Cassis meets Lavrov in Moscow: What is Switzerland's objective?: The Swiss Foreign Minister wants to mediate in times of great power politics ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/cassis-trifft-lawrow-in-moskau-was-bezweckt-die-schweiz-410158687078
Cassis meets Lavrov in Moscow: What is Switzerland's objective?
Switzerland beats the USA: Our constitution is better. Volker Reinhardt: The brilliant Switzerland expert from Germany. Federal Councillor Cassis flounders in ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/schweiz-schlaegt-usa-unsere-staatsverfassung-ist-besser-volker-reinhardt-der-brillante-schweizversteher-aus-deutschland-bundesrat-cassis-irrlichtert-in-kiew/
Switzerland beats the USA: Our constitution is better. Volker Reinhardt: ...
Kremlin confirms: Foreign Minister Cassis travels to Russia on Friday: Foreign Minister Cassis is visiting Russia to hold talks with Sergey Lavrov on the current ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/kreml-bestaetigt-aussenminister-cassis-reist-am-freitag-nach-russland/
Kremlin confirms: Foreign Minister Cassis travels to Russia on Friday
Cassis is pleased about the new self-confidence of formerly developing countries - | and continues to distribute over eleven billion francs worldwide
The US government is hoping for Swiss neutrality. "It would be very disappointing if Switzerland were to jump on the EU bandwagon without thinking about the ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/die-us-regierung-hofft-auf-schweizer-neutralitaet-es-waere-sehr-enttaeuschend-wenn-die-schweiz-auf-den-eu-zug-aufzuspringen-wuerde-ohne-ueber-die-konsequenzen-nachzudenken/
The US government is hoping for Swiss neutrality.
Davos: How the Federal Councillors deal with Trump at the WEF: The pragmatist, the daredevil, the philosopher: Who copes best in the new world of ruthless ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/davos-wie-die-bundesraete-am-wef-mit-trump-umgehen-747662165584
Davos: How the Federal Councillors deal with Trump at the WEF
Federal Councillor Cassis: Fidgety and obsequious diplomacy. Zelenskyy: Frightening power slogans. Federal Councillor Parmelin: A quiet pragmatist ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/bundesrat-cassis-zappelphilipp-und-ranschmeisser-diplomatie-selenskyj-beaengstigende-machtparolen-bundesrat-parmelin-stiller-pragmatiker-lieber-trumps-friedensrat-als-eu-kriegsraete/
Federal Councillor Cassis: Fidgety and obsequious diplomacy ...
Tired of neutrality: Cassis intervenes in the Greenland conflict. Davos: Trump wants to establish his parallel UN at the WEF. A tribute to Dolly Parton!
weltwoche.ch/daily/neutralitaetsmuede-cassis-mischt-sich-in-groenlandkonflikt-ein-davos-trump-will-seine-parallel-uno-am-wef-gruenden-hymne-auf-dolly-parton/
Tired of neutrality: Cassis intervenes in the Greenland conflict ...
WEF 2026 in Davos: the latest developments: This week, government representatives, CEOs, and delegates from international organizations are meeting in Davos ...
nzz.ch/wirtschaft/wef-2026-in-davos-spaniens-premier-sanchez-sagt-teilnahme-nach-zugunglueck-ab-wef-laedt-iran-aus-ld.1920771
WEF 2026 in Davos: the latest developments
Köppel grills Cassis: "No country would sign this EU treaty!" 😤 🇨🇭
Human rights activism on a case-by-case basis: When Putin's troops invade foreign countries, Ignazio Cassis is outraged. With Trump ...
weltwoche.ch/daily/menschenrechtsaktivismus-von-fall-zu-fall-marschieren-putins-truppen-in-fremde-laender-ein-ist-ignazio-cassis-empoert-bei-trump-ist-es-offenbar-nicht-so-schlimm/
Human rights activism on a case-by-case basis: When Putin's troops ...