News

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. Experts 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.