Press information
EAER Press releases
844 000 adults in Switzerland struggle with reading, maths and problem solving
In Switzerland, 15% of people aged 16–65 have poor literacy, numeracy and adaptive problem-solving skills. This equates to around 844 000 individuals. Compared with the overall population, they are less likely to be employed and tend to earn less. They also report lower levels of well-being and social participation than people with higher skill levels. These are the findings of a new report by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) based on data from the OECD's Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC).
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures against persons, groups, businesses and organisations 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.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures concerning Haiti
The UN security council 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.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
On 20 October 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 6 of the ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. 24 individuals and 23 entities have been added to the annex. The measures come into force at 11:00 pm on 21 October 2025.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against Nicaragua
On 20 October 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended the annex of the ordinance on measures against Nicaragua. The entries concerning two individuals have been modified. The measures come into force at 11:00 pm on 21 October 2025.
Empa Entrepreneur Fellowships awarded - Three researchers receive start-up funding
Ultrathin terahertz optical components, large-area strain sensors and surface microstructuring with high throughput rates: For these innovations, three Empa researchers – Elena Mavrona, Mohammad Jafarpour and Nicolas Zaugg – have been granted this year's Empa Entrepreneur Fellowships, which will enable them to exploit their research to develop innovative products.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures against persons, groups, businesses and organisations 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.
Economic forecast: US tariffs weigh on Swiss industry, uncertainty remains elevated
Higher US tariffs have further clouded the outlook for the Swiss economy. Based on recently revised GDP data,[1] the Expert Group on Business Cycles projects significantly below-average economic growth of 1.3% in 2025, slowing further to 0.9% in 2026.[2] This forecast reflects expectations of a weak second half of 2025 and is based on the technical assumption that international tariffs will remain at current levels.
Agreement with India on mobility and transport infrastructure
In view of the imminent signing of a MoU on mobility systems, Switzerland and India initialled on October 15 the text of the MoU in presence of Hon’ble Minister Nitin Gadkari, Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi and Assistant State Secretary Martin Saladin, Vice Director and head of SECO's Promotion Activities Directorate, and a delegation of more than 20 Swiss mobility companies. The agreement, which was approved by the Federal Council on 8 October, will facilitate access for Swiss companies to major projects in the Indian transport sector.
Switzerland to attend the Second World Summit for Social Development
Switzerland will take part in the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha from 4 to 6 November. The aim of this summit organised by the United Nations is to renew the international community’s commitments in the field of social development and to give fresh impetus to efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda. On 15 October, the Federal Council appointed a delegation comprising various stakeholders, which will be headed by SECO Director, State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda.
Cornea from the 3D printer - Invisible implant for clear vision
Damage to the cornea affects millions of people worldwide. Empa researchers are working on a transparent, biocompatible implant from the 3D printer. This allows defects to be repaired seamlessly and permanently.
Switzerland at 2025 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, State Secretary Daniela Stoffel and Martin Schlegel, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington from 15 to 17 October 2025. The quarterly high-level G20 meeting on financial and monetary issues will also take place before the Annual Meetings. The Swiss delegation will additionally use the event for bilateral talks.
Nearly a quarter of Swiss university graduates did an internship after their studies
In the five years following their graduation, 23% of people who graduated from a Swiss higher education institution in 2016 or 2018 did at least one internship. The proportion of those who did an internship varied greatly depending on their field of study. With hindsight, almost 90% of the graduates would still do an internship even though their employment situation five years after graduation was less favourable overall than that of those who did not do an internship. These are the main findings of a new publication by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Ordinance on Measures against persons, groups, businesses and organisations 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. Furthermore, formal corrections have been made to some entries.
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.Consumer sentiment lower than a year ago
In September 2025 the consumer sentiment index stood at –37 points. This is 3 points lower than in September 2024. The following sub-index is lower than in September 2024: economic outlook. The following sub-indices are higher than a year ago: past financial situation, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases.
Switzerland and Japan sign Memorandum of Cooperation in the quantum field
From 29 September to 5 October, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama led a scientific mission to Japan aimed at strengthening bilateral collaboration between the two nations.
Ordinance on measures against Syria
On 6 October 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 7 of the ordinance on measures against Syria. The entries concerning three individuals have been modified and the entry concerning another individual has been deleted. The measures come into force at 11:00 pm on 8 October 2025.
Ordinance on measures against Guinea-Bissau
On 6 October 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended the annexe 1 of the ordinance on measures against Guinea-Bissau. The financial sanctions against six individuals have been lifted. The measures come into force at 11:00 pm on 8 October 2025.
Ordinance on measures against Burundi
On 6 October 2025, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER has amended the annexe of the ordinance on measures against Burundi. The entry concerning one individual has been deleted. The measures come into force at 11:00 pm on 8 October 2025.
A computer mouse made of wood: Green electronics thanks to biodegradable circuit boards
Modern printed circuit boards are made from petroleum-based materials and are difficult to recycle. Empa researchers have developed a biodegradable version – an important step toward sustainable electronics. Their biomaterial is based entirely on wood and can be processed into functional circuit boards for electronic devices.