Press information
EAER Press releases
Mapping Switzerland’s characteristic landscapes
From moors to settlements to forests – Switzerland’s characteristic landscapes are changing because of climate change, construction activities and afforestation. A new method developed by researchers at the WSL could make this visible in the future. By allowing characteristic landscape types to be recorded across Switzerland, it can thus serve as a basis for targeted landscape development.
Sanctions: Ordinance imposing Measures connected with the Situation in Ukraine
On 30 June 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (EAER) has updated the document “Interpretative aid for sanction measures”. The modifications are visible in track changes mode.
An electrifying prospect: Retrofitting diesel buses instead of replacing them
An Empa study shows that retrofitting existing diesel buses for electric operation would allow the entire European bus fleet to be electrified about 15 years earlier. This would benefit not only the environment but also bus operators. With the cost savings, they could expand public transportation services – without a significant need for additional infrastructure.
US tariffs: Federal Council reaffirms commitment to Switzerland–US joint statement
On 14 November 2025, Switzerland and the United States signed a joint statement aimed at stabilising bilateral trade relations. The Federal Council is determined to honour its commitments under that agreement. To this end, on 29 June it published a declaration setting out how it intends to implement certain further elements of the joint statement. In return, it expects the United States to fulfil its corresponding commitments. A comprehensive trade agreement remains the Federal Council's overarching aim.
State Secretary Martina Hirayama uses 2026 Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting to foster international dialogue on education, research and innovation
On the sidelines of the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting on 28 and 29 June, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, held talks with several of her counterparts, including Dorothee Bär, German Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space.
Four in five graduates change jobs after completing professional education
Of those who obtained a professional qualification in 2020, 58% changed companies or started their own business and 20% changed roles within their company in the four years following their examination. These are the results of the second Survey on Professional Education by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
First meeting of the international coalition for science, research and innovation in Ukraine
On 26 June, the first high-level meeting of the international coalition for science, research and innovation in Ukraine took place in Gdańsk on the fringes of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC). A joint declaration is intended to send a message of international solidarity in support of the reconstruction of Ukraine’s research and innovation system.
New insights into human vision
The retina of the human eye contains six to seven million cone cells. These cells contain light-sensitive proteins known as cone opsins. They enable us to perceive our surroundings in detail in daylight. In a new study, researchers led by Polina Isaikina from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have now, for the first time, determined the three-dimensional molecular structure of human cone opsins in their dark state, that is, before they are activated by light.
Metal 3D printing extends the service life of steel components
Bridges, support structures, and industrial steel constructions are often subjected to stress for decades. As they age, fatigue cracks can compromise safety. However, replacing permanently installed components is often impractical or very costly. Empa researchers are therefore investigating how steel components can be specifically repaired or even redesigned in the future – using metallic 3D printing.
President Guy Parmelin leads economic and scientific mission to North America
From 29 June to 9 July, President Guy Parmelin will visit the US and Canada on an economic and scientific mission. He will then continue to Mexico, where he will meet President Claudia Sheinbaum. The purpose of the trip is to strengthen and extend Switzerland’s economic and scientific ties with North America. On 2 July, Mr Parmelin will attend the Swiss national team’s round of 32 match in the football World Cup in Vancouver.
Federal Council prioritises international cooperation and strengthens humanitarian aid
At its meeting on 24 June 2026, the Federal Council set out the key parameters for international cooperation from 2029. In future, Switzerland will focus its development cooperation in a more targeted manner, establish a clear division of responsibilities between the SDC and SECO, and strengthen its humanitarian aid. In doing so, it is responding to the altered geopolitical situation, enhancing the impact of its international cooperation and, at the same time, achieving savings for the federal budget. The budget for international cooperation remains virtually unchanged at around CHF 2.4 billion per year. The measures that have been adopted will result in an annual reduction of around CHF 20 million from 2027. The FDFA and the EAER were tasked with drafting a consultation document on the International Cooperation Strategy 2029–32 on this basis.
Günther Dissertori to become the new president of ETH Zurich
On 24 June, the Federal Council appointed Günther Dissertori as the new president of ETH Zurich, following a proposal by the ETH Board. The 56-year-old is currently the rector of ETH Zurich and a professor of particle physics. He will take up his post on 1 January 2027, succeeding Joël Mesot.
Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026: Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to reconstruction
Switzerland will be represented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) to be held in Gdańsk from 25 to 26 June by a delegation led by Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council’s Delegate for Ukraine. Launched in Lugano in 2022 at Switzerland’s initiative, the Conference has become the key international forum for the reconstruction of Ukraine. This year’s event will focus on the country’s economic recovery, support for critical infrastructure, strengthening security capabilities, and promoting reforms and the fight against corruption.
President Parmelin attends EFTA Ministerial Conference in Reykjavik
On 22 June, President Guy Parmelin attended the Ministerial Conference of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in Reykjavik. The ministers of the four EFTA states commended the significant progress made towards an imminent conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement with Viet Nam. Iceland, Norway and Switzerland signed updated bilateral agricultural agreements with the Palestinian Authority. On the fringes of the ministerial conference, a working meeting took place between President Parmelin and Icelandic Prime Minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir.
Virtual tissue staining in 3-D
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have developed an AI platform that stains tissue images from computed tomography as if they had been made from classical tissue sections. This could in the future enable non-destructive and three-dimensional analysis of pathological changes. The study was published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface.
Economic forecast: Iran crisis clouds the outlook
The Federal Government Expert Group on Business Cycles has revised its growth forecast for Switzerland slightly downward. GDP is now expected to increase by 0.9% in 2026 – well below the historical average – followed by 1.6% in 2027 (March forecast: 1.0% and 1.7% respectively). [1] The crisis in the Middle East is driving up energy prices and weighing on the global economy. Uncertainty remains high.
Toward a just energy transition: Vanja Djinlev elected to the Swiss Young Academy
Empa researcher Vanja Djinlev has been appointed a member of the Swiss Young Academy. The appointment recognizes his scientific achievements as well as his commitment to bridging the gap between research and society, particularly in the pursuit of greater energy justice.
Responsible Business Conduct: OECD gives Switzerland high marks
The Swiss National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct, which is based within the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), has undergone an review by the relevant OECD committee. On 17 June 2026, the OECD recognised the Swiss National Contact Point for its high level of professionalism and effectiveness. At the same time, the report contains recommendations aimed at further strengthening the visibility, transparency and impact of the mechanism.
Savings Measures: Agroscope Sharpens the Focus of its Research Portfolio
Because of various savings measures passed by the Swiss Parliament and the Federal Council, Agroscope’s ordinary budget shows a structural deficit of around CHF 10 million. This makes a narrowing of the thematic focus of the research portfolio essential, and leads to a loss of 58 full-time positions. Even with this narrowed focus, Agroscope will remain a competent and competitive research institution for the Swiss agriculture and food sector over the long term. The site strategy for Agroscope passed by the Federal Council in May 2020 will continue to be implemented.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Situation in Ukraine
On 15.06.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 8 to the ordinance. In this process, 16 individuals and 7 organizations were added to the annex. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 16.06.2026.