Press information
EAER Press releases
Sanzioni: Ordinanza che istituisce provvedimenti nei confronti del Sudan
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.
Ukraine: Federal Council implements 19th package of sanctions
On 25 February, the Federal Council decided to adopt the further measures contained in the European Union's 19th package of sanctions against Russia with effect from 26 February. On 12 December last year, 64 individuals and entities were already added to Switzerland's sanctions list, and the first measures of the 19th sanctions package were adopted.
Switzerland–EU package of agreements to be signed on 2 March
On 25 February 2026, the Federal Council was informed that President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen would sign the Switzerland–EU package of agreements (Bilaterals III) in Brussels on Monday, 2 March.
US Supreme Court ruling on additional tariffs
Following the repeal of country-specific additional tariffs by the Supreme Court, the US president introduced new additional tariffs citing a different legal basis. The principal objective of Switzerland's negotiations with the US remains unchanged. The Federal Council was informed of the initial findings on 25 February and will discuss further developments at one of its next meetings.
Federal Council submits act on space operations: future-oriented framework conditions for Swiss players
On 25 February 2026, the Federal Council has adopted the dispatch and draft of a federal act on space operations for submission to Parliament. The proposed legislation is intended to enable players in Switzerland to exploit technological and economic opportunities in space. It also sends a signal that Switzerland is a forward-looking and responsible space nation.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Situation in Ukraine
On 23.02.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 8 to the ordinance. The entries concerning 88 individuals and 92 organizations have been modified. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 24.02.2026.
Successfully commercializing novel solar cells: When records are not enough
It is not easy to bring new technologies from the laboratory to market. Researchers and companies face very different demands for new developments and do not always find common ground. Scientists at Empa and other institutions have analyzed two emerging solar cell technologies to identify the greatest risks. Their conclusion: Research and industry must start collaborating much earlier.
Data-driven modelling of residual flows
Estimates as to how much more electricity could be generated from hydropower in the absence of residual flow requirements vary widely, and they have previously been based on inadequate data. A team of researchers from WSL, the University of Bern and Eawag has now used a new database and simulations to show that, between now and 2050, the additional decrease in production due to residual flow requirements – amounting to barely 2% – is likely to be much lower than feared.
President Parmelin meets Indian Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi, announces 2027 AI summit for Geneva
President Guy Parmelin has met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other heads of state and government at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where discussions focused on the use and international governance of artificial intelligence. Switzerland remains committed to this debate and will host an AI summit in Geneva in 2027.
IC Forum 2026 in Geneva – challenges and the future of humanitarian aid
More than 1,500 participants from 120 countries are expected to attend online or in person the 5th edition of the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland (IC Forum), to be held in Geneva on 26 and 27 February 2026. The event will bring together key players in international cooperation to discuss current challenges and the future of humanitarian aid. Participants will include federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Martin Pfister, as well as the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Tom Fletcher, and Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the ICRC, who will exchange views with a range of international experts.
Novel strengthening system for reinforced concrete bridges: Retrofitting bridges with “smart” steel
Many bridges in Switzerland were built before the 1980s – and are therefore approaching the end of their service life. Empa researchers are now developing a novel strengthening system to retrofit damaged reinforced concrete bridges. For the first time, they have combined ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete with memory steel, which attempts to contract after being heated, therefore prestressing concrete structures.
Continuation of wastewater monitoring secured
The Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) has been newly commissioned by the Federal Office of Public Health as the National Reference Centre for Wastewater Monitoring. This work centres around the collection of health data from municipal wastewater, and particularly that of viruses that are known to be pathogenic. A new national mandate has also been introduced for the analysis of substances related to pharmaceutical and illicit drug use.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against Sudan
On 18 February 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) has amended annex 2 of the ordinance on measures against Sudan. Seven individuals have been added to the annex. The measures come into force on 18 February 2026 at 11 p.m.
Ordinance on measures against individuals and entities who support Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad
On 18 February 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended the annex of the ordinance on measures against individuals and entities who support Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The entry concerning one individual has been modified and the entry concerning another individual has been deleted. The measures come into force on 18 February 2026 at 11 p.m
GDP flash for the fourth quarter of 2025: Swiss economy grows slightly
According to the early estimate of Switzerland's quarterly real GDP approximately 45 days after the quarter end ('GDP flash'), Swiss economic output is estimated to have grown by 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025.[1] Growth in the services sector was muted, while the industrial sector stagnated. According to provisional results, the Swiss economy grew by 1.4% in 2025 overall, following 1.2% the previous year.1 This is well below Switzerland’s average economic growth (1.8% since 1981). The challenging international environment slowed the export‑oriented industry. By contrast, the services sector grew at an above‑average rate by historical standards. Note: For the initial results for 2025 overall, please see the attached article ‘Switzerland's GDP 2025: +1.4%, GDP per capita: +0.5%; GDP per capita has risen by 4.8% since 2019’ from the spring 2026 edition of Konjunkturtendenzen (currently only available in German). The flash estimate is based on early information available on the production components of GDP. Estimates are used where values are not yet available. The result may therefore change after the complete and updated source data become available. The regular release of quarterly GDP figures, including details on production, expenditure and income as well as updated calculations for the previous quarters, will be published on 27 February 2026.
[1] Adjusted for seasonal/calendar effects and sporting eventsPresident Parmelin to attend summit on artificial intelligence in India
President Guy Parmelin will represent Switzerland at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi next week. The summit serves as a forum for discussions on the implementation and use of AI. During his visit to the event on Thursday, 19 February, Mr Parmelin will meet with heads of state and government and hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
PSI Founder Fellowship for AI platform and solid-state batteries
The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is awarding PSI Founder Fellowships to Mohsen Sadr and Mohammadhossein Montazerian. The fellowships will support two business ideas based on PSI technologies: an AI-based platform for the development of fusion energy and aerospace technologies, and a novel technology for thin-film solid-state batteries for compact energy storage.
From lab to market: Signed by fungi
Local and yet exclusive, natural and yet high-tech: Spalted wood combines contradictions. This very special wood is characterized by patterns of fine black lines, which it owes to a fungus. What used to be a rare chance find in the forest is now a standardized manufacturing process – thanks to the collaboration between Koster AG Holzwelten and Empa.
Ukraine: Federal Council approves aid package for the supply of urgently needed energy goods
Ukraine is currently facing its worst energy crisis since the start of the war. Swiss companies will be delivering high-performance generators and electricity modules to Ukraine in the coming weeks to provide support in this difficult situation. Following a request from the Ukrainian government, on 11 February 2026 the Federal Council approved aid up to a cost ceiling of CHF 32 million.
Consumer sentiment practically the same as a year ago
In January 2026 the consumer sentiment index stood at –30 points. This is just under 1 point lower than in January 2025. The following sub-index is lower than in January 2025: economic outlook. The following sub-indices are higher than a year ago: past financial situation and moment to make major purchases. The following sub-index has barely changed compared to January 2025: financial outlook.