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
Consumer sentiment lower than a year ago
In April 2025 the consumer sentiment index stood at –42 points. This is 4 points lower than in April 2024. The following sub-index is lower than in April 2024: economic outlook. The following sub-indices are higher than a year ago: past financial situation, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases.
Emission Explorer – a new exhibit at the Swiss Museum of Transport: Empa research shows individual CO₂ footprint
<strong>Net zero: the goal that moves our society at all levels. But what can we as individuals contribute to achieve it? Answers are given by the Emission Explorer, the new exhibit developed by Empa as part of Energy Science for Tomorrow (ES4T), a joint initiative of the ETH Domain and the Swiss Museum of Transport. Visitors can playfully calculate their CO<sub>2</sub> emissions and find out in which areas of life they can make a concrete contribution to a more sustainable society.</strong>
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to visit Bulgaria
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will travel to Sofia on 7 May for a one-day visit. His programme includes meetings with Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev and Prime Minister Rosen Jeliazkov, as well as a visit to the renowned Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT).
Nanomaterials under tension: Empa researcher among the winners at SNSF scientific image competition
<strong>Researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich are developing an electromechanical system that can apply mechanical tension to nanomaterials. This could enable electronic components with novel properties for applications in various quantum technologies, for example in information technology, communication, sensor technology and efficient energy conversion. For the video showing the moving system in action, Empa researcher Peter Lendway was awarded first prize in the SNSF scientific image competition in the video category.</strong>
Energy perspectives for the city of Frauenfeld: Digital solutions pave the way to net-zero
After a two year-project, Thurplus, the city of Frauenfelds's utility company, and Empa last Wednesday presented the report, Energy Perspectives 2050. The project sheds light on energy scenarios from today to 2050, extrapolated from around 20,000 smart meter data sets. The conclusion of the study: Net zero is feasible – the key lies in district heating and replacing conventional, fossil heating systems.
Switzerland steps up its support for Africa
The Federal Council wants to contribute towards increasing the guarantee capital of the African Development Bank (AfDB). It is requesting Parliament to approve a guarantee credit of CHF 1.56 billion, as decided on 30 April. This would strengthen Switzerland's influence in the AfDB and help to further sustainable and inclusive economic development in Africa.