Press information
EAER Press releases
Sanctions: Ordinance imposing Measures connected with the Situation in Ukraine
On 16 January 2025, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (EAER) has updated the document ‘Interpretative aid for sanction measures’. The modifications are visible in track changes mode.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to attend 17th Berlin Conference of Agriculture Ministers as part of International Green Week
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will travel to Berlin on 17/18 January. There he will visit the world’s largest trade fair for food, agriculture and horticulture, attend the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture and represent Switzerland at the 17th Berlin Conference of Agriculture Ministers.
SECO: Ordinance on measures against the Democratic Republic of Congo
On 14 January 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 2 of the ordinance on measures against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The entries concerning four individuals have been modified. The modifications come into force at 6 pm on 15 January 2025.
SECO: Ordinance on measures against Sudan
On 14 January 2025, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research has amended annex 2 of the ordinance on measures against Sudan. Four individuals have been added to the sanctions list. The measures come into force at 6 pm on 15 January 2025.
Technology transfer with business incubators: Start-up companies take off here
For years, start-ups have been able to count on the support of the business incubators glatec and Startfeld. They accompany Empa's young companies on their path to independence – and do so extremely successfully, as the 37 spin-offs founded to date show.
Nomination procedure launched for Marcel Benoist Swiss Science Prize
This year, the Marcel Benoist Swiss Science Prize, endowed with CHF 250,000, will be awarded in the field of mathematics, engineering and natural sciences. Nominations can be submitted up to 24 February 2025. The prize has been awarded every year since 1920.
Consumer sentiment significantly higher than a year ago
In December 2024 the consumer sentiment index stood at –30 points. This is 14 points higher than in December 2023. The following subindices were higher than in December 2023: economic outlook, past financial situation, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases.
The biobattery that needs to be fed - Electric fungi
A battery that needs feeding instead of charging? This is exactly what Empa researchers have achieved with their 3D-printed, biodegradable fungal battery. The living battery could supply power to sensors for agriculture or research in remote regions. Once the work is done, it digests itself from the inside.
New protective coating can improve battery performance
A research team at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI has developed a new sustainable process that can be used to improve the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries. Initial tests of high-voltage batteries modified in this way have been successful. This method could be used to make lithium-ion batteries, for example those for electric vehicles, significantly more efficient.
Antimicrobial resistance: Nanotherapy on the eye against resistant germs
Bacteria can cause dangerous infections after surgery on the eye. Particularly feared are antibiotic-resistant germs, which are almost impossible to treat and can lead to the loss of the eye. In the Nanovision project, researchers at Empa and the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen are developing novel nanocomplexes that kill resistant germs and protect the eye tissue at the same time.
Ukraine: Switzerland adopts further sanctions
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), in its capacity as the competent body for sanctions, has expanded its list of sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Switzerland is thus adopting the additional sanctions decided by the EU in response to Russia’s continuing military aggression against Ukraine and the situation in Belarus. The changes will take effect on 24 December.
Ordinance on Measures against Libya
The competent UN Sanctions Committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organisations. The sanctions database has been updated accordingly.
Federal Council takes note of substantive conclusion of Swiss–EU negotiations
At its meeting on 20 December 2024, the Federal Council took note with satisfaction the material conclusion of negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU). It noted that the Swiss delegation, led by chief negotiator Patric Franzen, has met the objectives set under the negotiating mandate. The Federal Council has instructed the relevant departments to undertake the preparatory work needed to formally conclude negotiations.
Switzerland and the European Union welcome outcome of negotiations
President Viola Amherd and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen met in Bern on Friday, 20 December, to mark the conclusion of negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union. They welcomed the outcome of the negotiations and discussed current issues regarding European policy and global developments.
IMPACT: Upgrade at PSI research facility approved
Green light for IMPACT: The upgrade at the proton accelerator facility at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI planned for the coming years will be implemented. Funding for this two-part enhancement was assured within the framework of the ERI Dispatch 2025-2028.
Construction prices rose by 0.1% in October 2024
The Construction Price Index rose by 0.1% between April and October 2024, reaching 115.2 points (October 2020 = 100). This result reflects an increase in building and civil engineering prices. Year on year, construction prices rose by 0.5%. These are some of the findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
New winter support package for Ukraine: Switzerland helping to repair destroyed homes and energy infrastructure
Due to the intensified Russian attacks, large parts of the Ukrainian population are suffering from cuts to power and heating. Switzerland is helping Ukraine to cope with the challenges of winter with almost CHF 45 million. The funds will be used to restore energy infrastructure, renovate damaged homes and meet urgent humanitarian needs.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against Belarus
On January 3, 2025, the reporting requirement under Article 24b paragraphs 13 and 14 of the Ordinance on Measures against Belarus (SR 946.231.116.9) comes into force. Legal entities, companies or organizations must report services or software that they provide or make available in accordance with Article 24b paragraph 6 letter a to SECO by July 31, 2025, and subsequently on a semesterly basis. The reports are to be submitted using the form 'Reporting services and software (Art. 24b para. 13 of the Belarus ordinance)', which can be found on SECO's website under the heading 'Reporting obligations – forms'.
Making Switzerland more competitive: The innovation accelerators
Innosuisse, the Swiss innovation promotion agency, supports research-based innovation to strengthen the international competitiveness of Swiss industry. In Innosuisse-funded projects, companies work together with universities or research institutes such as Empa to bring innovative ideas to the market. Empa is currently involved in around 80 such projects. Here are four of them.
Economic forecast: Outlook deteriorates marginally amid high uncertainty
The Federal Government Expert Group on Business Cycles has slightly lowered its economic growth forecast for 2025 (GDP adjusted for sporting events: 1.5%; September forecast: 1.6%). The recovery of the European economy has been delayed. The international economy is not expected to normalise until 2026, at which point growth in the Swiss economy would also accelerate (1.7%).* Downside risks currently outweigh upside potential. Uncertainty surrounding international economic and trade policy is very high.