Press information
EAER Press releases
Economic forecast: below-average growth in 2026
The Federal Government Expert Group on Business Cycles has revised slightly downwards its forecast for economic growth in Switzerland. For 2026, it forecasts below-average growth of 1.0%, followed by 1.7% in 2027 (forecast from December 2025: 1.1% and 1.7% respectively). The war in the Middle East is driving up energy prices and further increasing uncertainty.
Switzerland's energy supply is assured
The Steering Committee on Energy Security met on 17 March, co-chaired by the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), President Guy Parmelin, and the head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), Federal Councillor Albert Rösti. The specialist committee confirms that Switzerland’s energy supply is currently secure.
Understanding and dialogue between the scientific and political communities and society as a whole needs to be further strengthened
During the first Swiss Research and Innovation Summit held on 17 March 2026 in Bern, experts from the scientific community, politics, administration, the business community and civil society discussed the role scientific expertise plays in politics and society. The purpose of this event was to promote and strengthen an understanding of the need for scientific consultation and mutual dialogue between the scientific community and society as a whole.
Sustainable construction: Custom-made concrete from a 3D printer
Instead of using more and more concrete and steel, a European research team including Empa is focusing on intelligent shapes, digital manufacturing, and alternative binders. The aim is to create a climate-friendly building material that is delicate yet stable – and can be custom-made using 3D printing, dismantled, and reused.
Switzerland and Brazil deepen their cooperation in education, research and innovation
On 16 March, the seventh meeting of the Switzerland–Brazil Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation took place in Bern. The aim was to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in these areas and to set future priorities.
Switzerland is committed to strengthening the rules-based multilateral trading system
Switzerland, together with other partner countries of the “Future of Investment and Trade Partnership” (FIT Partnership), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the rules-based trading system and to effective WTO reform. The adopted ministerial declaration sends an important signal in support of open and reliable global trade.
Federal Council adopts the ‘Stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations’ package
At its meeting on 13 March 2026, the Federal Council approved the dispatch to Parliament on the stabilisation and further development of Swiss–EU relations package (Bilaterals III). The Federal Council's intention with this bill is to stabilise and future-proof the tried-and-tested bilateral approach with the EU. The package is in Switzerland's interest. It ensures the continuity of economic, scientific and social relations with the EU, Switzerland's most important trading partner. In view of the tense geopolitical situation, stable and reliable relations with neighbouring European countries are of strategic importance.
The Swiss Science Council submits statement on planned abolition – Independent advice must not be weakened
The Swiss Science Council SSC has submitted its statement as part of the consultation process on the reorganisation of extra-parliamentary commissions. In it, it firmly rejects the Federal Council's proposal to abolish the SSC.
The nano-lasagna: Novel 2D materials gain momentum
There is more than just graphene: In an interdisciplinary project, Empa researchers have focused on a new class of two-dimensional materials known as MXenes. This versatile group of materials is suitable for a wide range of applications, from energy storage to medicine. The project team has made significant progress in modeling and synthesizing MXenes.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against individuals and groups associated with the Taliban
Bern, 11.03.2026 – The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. Furthermore, formal corrections have been made to some entries.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
On 9 March 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annexes 12, 13 and 14 of the ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. In addition, the content of the list of goods in annex 3 of the ordinance has been completed. The measures come into force at 11:00 pm on 10 March 2026.
The competitiveness of low-carbon fuels depends on location
In a new study, researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI compare the production costs of 21 different low-carbon fuel technologies across the globe. Their analysis shows that location-specific factors including both resource availability and financing conditions will be decisive for the future success of a given technology.
Negotiations on a trade agreement between Switzerland and the USA to continue
On 6 March, the Federal Council discussed how to proceed regarding the negotiations on a trade agreement with the USA. Switzerland will continue negotiations with the USA even after the decision of the US Supreme Court and the subsequent introduction of a new base tariff by the US government. The Federal Council continues to pursue the goal of concluding an agreement that will stabilise bilateral trade relations and improve export opportunities for Swiss companies.
Consumer sentiment higher than a year ago
In February 2026 the consumer sentiment index stood at –30 points. This is 3 points higher than in February 2025. The following sub-indices are higher than in February 2025: economic outlook, past financial situation and moment to make major purchases. The following sub-index has barely changed compared to February 2025: financial outlook.
ETH Board opens consultation within the ETH Domain on the organisational development project “FIT for the Future”
At its meeting of 4/5 March, the ETH Board decided to put forward two versions of the organisational development project “FIT for the Future” for internal consultation within the ETH Domain. It allocated resources to the institutions of the ETH Domain for 2027 and approved the consolidated reporting for 2025 on the ETH Domain for submission to the Confederation. The ETH Board also took note of a change in the EPFL Direction.
19 new professors appointed at ETH Zurich and EPFL
At its meeting of 4/5 March 2026 and upon application of the President of ETH Zurich, Professor Joël Mesot, and the President of EPFL, Professor Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, the ETH Board appointed a total of seven women and twelve men as professors. It also took note of the resignations of four professors and thanked them for their services. In the last 12 months, the ETH Board has made a total of 26 new appointments for women and 25 for men; the proportion of women among these new appointments thus amounts to 51%.
Polymer material enables better solid-state batteries: A flexible electrolyte for solid batteries
Solid-state batteries do not use flammable liquid electrolytes and are therefore safer than conventional lithium-ion batteries. Empa researchers have developed a solid electrolyte based on a stretchable polymer. The scalable material could allow the development of better solid-state batteries and be used in flexible batteries for medical applications.
Energy crisis in Ukraine – the first diesel generators from Switzerland have been delivered to Kyiv
The first of around 70 diesel generators to be supplied by the Swiss Confederation in response to the worst energy crisis since the start of the conflict have arrived in Kyiv. Jean-Luc Bernasconi, head of international cooperation at the Swiss embassy in Kyiv, attended a ceremony on 4 March 2026 at which the generators – which will be used in various locations where energy infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged – were officially handed over to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU). The generators provided by Switzerland are part of the Federal Council's aid package, adopted on 11 February 2026, on the supply of urgently needed energy goods to Ukraine. Further deliveries will continue to be made on an ongoing basis.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida
The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.
Switzerland–EU package agreement signed in Brussels
On 2 March, President Guy Parmelin and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed the agreements comprising the Switzerland–EU package in Brussels. The agreements were initialled by the chief negotiators on 21 May 2025 and approved by the Federal Council on 13 June 2025. The dispatch on the Switzerland–EU package is expected to be approved for submission to Parliament in the course of this month.