Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER
The EAER is where the federal government’s expertise on economic affairs and trade policy is concentrated. You can follow our strategy for employment, growth and prosperity in Switzerland and for securing sustainable development. Furthermore, the EAER combines education, research and innovation – three areas that are crucial for our society and for Switzerland’s economic performance.
News
Press releases
Coping with stress in a noisy environment: Urban green spaces are islands of relaxation
<strong>It is hardly surprising that green spaces in noisy cities offer people respite from stress. However, a comprehensive study by Empa and WSL shows for the first time for Switzerland how much these recreational spaces actually affect physical and mental stress management.</strong>
Japanese Beetle: Update on Biology, Legal Bases and Control
<strong>In a new practice-oriented publication, Agroscope summarises all available information on the biology of the Japanese beetle as well as the legal bases. In addition, experts assess the threat to various crops and take a deeper dive into control measures.</strong>
Airborne construction technologies: Flying robots unlock new horizons in construction
<strong>An international team led by researchers from Empa and EPFL has explored how in future aerial robots could process construction materials precisely in the air – an approach with great potential for difficult-to-access locations or work at great heights. The flying robots are not intended to replace existing systems on the ground, but rather to complement them in a targeted manner for repairs or in disaster areas, for instance.</strong>
Ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
On 22 April 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 7 of the <a href="https://www.seco.admin.ch/seco/de/home/Aussenwirtschaftspolitik_Wirtschaftliche_Zusammenarbeit/Wirtschaftsbeziehungen/exportkontrollen-und-sanktionen/sanktionen-embargos/sanktionsmassnahmen/massnahmen-gegenueber-der-islamischen-republik-iran.html">ordinance</a> on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The entries of ten individuals have been modified and the entry of one individual has been deleted. The measures come into force on 24 April 2025.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures Connected with the Situation in Ukraine
On 17 December 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annexes 8 and 25 of the Ordinance on Measures Connected with the Situation in Ukraine. Eight organizations have been added to Annex 25 and the existing entries concerning 158 individuals and organizations in Annex 8 have been updated. The measures come into force on 23 April 2025.
Switzerland at 2025 IMF and World Bank Group Spring Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington
President Karin Keller-Sutter and Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Washington from 23 to 25 April 2025. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will also take place during the Spring Meetings. The Swiss delegation, which also includes representatives of the Swiss National Bank, will additionally use the event for bilateral talks.