Press information
EAER Press releases
Consumer sentiment lower than a year ago
In March 2026 the consumer sentiment index stood at –43 points. This is 8 points lower than in March 2025. The following sub-indices are lower than in March 2025: economic outlook, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases. The following sub-index has barely changed compared to March 2025: past financial situation.
Safe and Sustainable by Design: Why safe and sustainable innovations pay off for companies
Developing new materials and products that are harmless to both humans and the environment requires holistic approaches such as Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD). But how much effort does it take for companies to meet the associated requirements? A new Empa analysis now shows that many of these are already laid down in key EU legislation. Consistently implemented, SSbD thus helps companies to ensure regulatory compliance for innovations at an early stage, thereby avoiding costly missteps.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Situation in Ukraine
On 31.03.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 8 to the ordinance. In this process, 9 individuals were added to the annex and the entries of 132 individuals and 77 organizations were modified. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 1.04.2026.
US investigations into trading practices
At its meeting on 1 April, the Federal Council discussed the Section 301 investigations directed against Switzerland as well as other countries by the United States. The underlying allegations relate to alleged excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors, as well as measures which the US may consider insufficient to restrict the importation of goods produced with forced labour. The Federal Council rejects these allegations. Switzerland intends to present its views as part of the relevant US proceedings.
Statement establishing a Dialogue on Emerging Agricultural Trade Issues
Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Peru, Switzerland, Ukraine and Uruguay established a Statement on a Dialogue on Emerging Agricultural Trade Issues at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The Statement establishes a forum that is expected to build trust and foster mutual understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable agriculture, taking into account the diverse realities and approaches of WTO Members. It sends a strong signal that Members are willing to find new ways of engaging on issues of common concern.
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.
A time machine to the most stable state
GEMS is an open-source software platform that makes chemical and thermodynamic processes in complex systems computable – processes that take thousands of years in nature can be simulated in seconds. A new national consortium will ensure that the software created at PSI is developed and maintained in the long term and jointly funded.
State Secretary Hirayama attends informal EU ministerial meeting on competition in research and innovation
On 31 March, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the informal meeting of EU research ministers. The meeting was held online under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Participants exchanged views on how Europe can leverage its scientific excellence to bring economic added value and achieve global competitiveness.
Early detection of micro blood clots: Tracing the blood
By the time micrometer-sized blood clots are detected, it may already be too late. Empa researcher Peter Nirmalraj and his team are investigating the occurrence and composition of these tiny blood clots, aiming to assess medication efficacy and individual patient risk more accurately.
No breakthrough at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon
The 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) came to a close in Yaoundé, Cameroon early on Monday morning. The difficult situation in international trade dominated the discussions; no fundamental policy decisions were taken regarding the ongoing reform work. However, some WTO members decided to implement the negotiated agreement on e-commerce. The Swiss delegation was headed by State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda, Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
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.
High-level G10 Gathering in Yaoundé
Senior officials of G10 Members met on 27 March 2026 on the fringes of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organisation in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Upon invitation from Switzerland, the G10 Members discussed current developments in the WTO negotiations on agriculture. They emphasised their willingness to engage constructively in agricultural talks at MC14 and beyond, while ensuring compatibility with their respective agricultural policies and taking their interests as net food importing countries into account.
Why cells respond “incorrectly” in old age
Some of the signs of ageing in human cells originate in the cell nucleus, because the packaged form of DNA changes with age. This has now been demonstrated by PSI researchers. It means that older cells can no longer react appropriately to external stimuli, and this can even lead to diseases. This insight could help scientists to curb such alterations and support better health in old age.
“Fireproof” research: Materials that don't mind the heat
Flame-retardant materials are essential wherever large numbers of people gather. Empa develops such materials for a wide range of applications. Empa researcher and materials expert Sabyasachi Gaan explains the hurdles that need to be overcome in this field.
Switzerland to participate in the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference
Switzerland will participate in the 14th regular Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which will take place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 26 to 29 March 2026. State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda, Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), will lead the Swiss delegation.
Empa Entrepreneur Fellowship awarded: Climate-friendly gasoline for today’s cars and fuel stations
Reducing emissions from road transport remains one of the major challenges on the path to climate neutrality. While electric mobility is increasing its market share, millions of vehicles with combustion engines that rely on gasoline will remain in use for many years to come. Empa researcher Alessia Cesarini is developing a climate‑friendly gasoline that could reduce emissions immediately – without replacing cars or refueling infrastructure. For her work, she has recently been awarded the Empa Entrepreneur Fellowship.
President Guy Parmelin meets with Chinese Minister of Education
President Guy Parmelin, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, met with Chinese Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng in Bern on 23 March. Following the meeting, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, chaired the sixth meeting of the Joint Working Group on Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Situation in Ukraine
On 19.03.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 8 to the ordinance. As a result, 7 individuals were removed from annex 8. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 20.03.2026.
Iran conflict: impact on war-relevant exports
On 20 March, the Federal Council examined the implications of applying the principle of neutrality to exports to the states involved in the Iran conflict. The export of war materiel to countries involved in the international armed conflict with Iran cannot be authorised for the duration of the conflict. Existing licences and exports of other goods will now be regularly reviewed by an interdepartmental group of experts, particularly with regard to their compatibility with neutrality.
ESA Council meeting at delegate level takes place in Switzerland
On 18–19 March 2026, the 345th Council meeting at delegate level of the European Space Agency (ESA) took place in Interlaken. Renato Krpoun, head of the Swiss Space Office at the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), currently holds the chair of the ESA Council at delegate level. The Council is meeting in Switzerland as Renato Krpoun's three-year term of office is soon coming to an end.