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Switzerland
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Friday Hailstorm: How Exceptional Was the Severe Weather?
On Friday, heavy thunderstorms with gale-force winds, hail, and heavy rain swept across Switzerland. Locally, hailstones reached six centimeters. Such large hail is rare in this country.
Flash Flood in Nepal: Helvetas Prepares Emergency Aid
Following a severe flash flood in Nepal on Tuesday morning, Helvetas provides CHF 100,000 for emergency relief. A team assesses the damage in remote mountain regions.
Emergency Campaign: Partner & Partner Wins Contract
Partner & Partner agency wins the contract for the "Behavior in Crisis and War" brochure campaign. The contract value of CHF 966,392 is significantly below the allocated budget.
After Record Drought: 71.5 Million for Forests and Agriculture
The 2026 summer drought left its mark. The Federal Council requests an additional 17.5 million francs for forests and 54 million for farm operational support. These funds aim to mitigate the drought's impact on crucial sectors.
AI for Citizen Participation: What Switzerland Can Learn
A new study by the Bertelsmann Stiftung and OECD shows how Artificial Intelligence can support citizen participation. For Switzerland, this presents opportunities but also raises questions regarding transparency and inclusion.
Federal Supreme Court Election Postponed Due to Judges' Relationship
The Judicial Commission postpones the general re-election of the Federal Supreme Court to the 2026 winter session. The reason is a relationship between two Federal Supreme Court judges. Whether it was compatible with their office remains open.
Accident Insurance: Federal Council Lowers Threshold for Self-Employed
The Federal Council lowers the entry threshold for voluntary accident insurance. Self-employed individuals with an annual income of CHF 44,460 can now insure themselves. Approximately 40,000 people benefit from this change.
Iceland's EU Rapprochement: A Signal for Switzerland?
Iceland voted against restarting EU accession talks on 29 August. This article from 27 August examines the earlier polls and what the debate meant for Switzerland.
Hot Summer: Farmers Face Winter Crisis
Switzerland's hot summer impacts agriculture. Farms still operate, but a major crisis threatens this winter as feed supplies dwindle. Farmers are taking steps to mitigate the severe drought effects.
Neutrality Initiative: What a 'Yes' Would Mean
On September 27, 2026, Switzerland votes on the Neutrality Initiative. The Federal Council and Parliament recommend a 'No'. An overview of the arguments.
SEM Plans Legislative Package Against Criminal Asylum Seekers
State Secretary Vincenzo Mascioli announces a security package to address criminal asylum seekers. The SEM also aims to reduce obviously unfounded asylum applications through preliminary procedures.
Population Growth Slightly Slowed in 2025
The Federal Statistical Office has released definitive figures on Switzerland's population development for 2025. The data indicates that growth has slightly slowed. Specific details are not yet available.
Offline Card Payments: Industry Solution Boosts Supply Security
Switzerland broadly implements offline card payments for the first time. This industry solution ensures essential goods remain purchasable even with interrupted data connections. It enhances supply security for critical items.
Drought in Switzerland: Rain Has Not Ended the Shortage
As of 24 September, drought persists north of the Alps despite rain. This 25 August article has been updated with the latest federal data.
Drought: Federal Government Relaxes Feed Rules for Organic Farms
The Federal Government is relaxing regulations for organic farms due to persistent drought. They may temporarily purchase more feed from conventional cultivation without losing their organic status.
Hotel Overnights: Second Estimate for July 2026
The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) publishes the second estimate of hotel overnights for July 2026. Initial evaluations indicate stable demand.
Federal Administrative Court Upholds Citizenship Withdrawal in Terrorism Case
The Federal Administrative Court upheld the withdrawal of Swiss citizenship from a man convicted of terrorism offences in France. He renounced his Bosnian citizenship after the Swiss decision.
Premium Reductions: Deadline Ends October 31
Individuals with lower incomes can apply for reduced health insurance premiums in Switzerland. The general deadline for the upcoming year is October 31, 2026. Learn about the application process and required documents.
Call Labelling Requirement Drastically Reduces Fraud Calls
Fraudulent calls impersonating Swiss authorities have dropped by over 75 percent since the introduction of a call labelling requirement. This regulation protects the public.
Apartment Handover: What Does 'Broom-Clean' Mean?
The term 'broom-clean' often causes disputes during apartment handovers. We summarize the most important facts for tenants regarding this cleaning standard and provide helpful tips for a smooth process.
Fuel Prices Rise: Petrol Station Operators Under Pressure
Fuel prices in Switzerland are rising significantly. Low water levels impede transport, while the Iran war pushes oil prices higher. Petrol station operators and freight forwarders feel the pressure of increased costs.
Federal Government Increases Reliance on External IT Providers
The Federal Administration plans to expand cooperation with external IT service providers. The goal is to improve digital infrastructure and increase efficiency within the administration.
Summer Travel Causes Numerous Swiss Road Jams
Summer holidays on August 23, 2026, cause a massive travel surge. Numerous traffic jams affect national and international routes. Swiss travelers face significant delays and longer journey times.
Car-Free Month: Experiment with Mixed Reactions
An experiment reveals how differently people in Switzerland react to giving up their cars. While some appreciate new mobility forms, others in rural areas face limitations.
Switzerland Lacks Preparation for Economic Transformation
An IMD business school professor warns that Switzerland is inadequately prepared for future economic challenges. He identifies significant shortcomings in the country's adaptability and forward planning, posing risks to its long-term competitiveness.
US Price Pressure Risks Swiss Drug Supply
Increasing US price pressure on new medicines could hinder the availability of crucial drugs in Switzerland. Experts warn of negative consequences for patient care.
Federal Council Launches Digital Platform ZiviConnect
The Federal Council decided to introduce ZiviConnect. The new digital platform aims to simplify civilian service administration and improve communication between authorities and service providers.
Fribourg Farmers Suffer from High Psychological Pressure
Many farmers in Canton Fribourg face high strain. Long working hours, little rest, and financial uncertainties lead to increasing psychological pressure. Experts and organizations call for specific support services for the sector.
New Plants for Extreme Heat: Research for Nutrition
Climate change threatens global food security. Researchers are developing heat-resistant plant varieties that yield crops even in extreme temperatures. Swiss institutions are involved in this effort.
Electric Cars in Switzerland: Every 18th Car is Electric
Purely electric vehicles now constitute 5.5 percent of Switzerland's total car fleet. Electromobility is expanding, yet combustion engines still dominate road traffic. New vehicle registrations show a different trend.
Swiss Radio Stations to Receive Frequencies in Autumn 2026
The Federal Office of Communications (BAKOM) will allocate FM frequencies to Swiss radio stations in autumn 2026. National and regional broadcasters are affected.
BAFU Warns of Forest Fire Risk Due to Drought
The BAFU warns of an increased forest fire risk due to persistent drought. Restrictions are in effect in several cantons. Authorities urge caution.