Press information
EAER Press releases
Ukraine: Federal Council implements 20th package of sanctions in line with previous practice
On 19 August, the Federal Council decided to adopt the further measures from the European Union’s (EU) 20th sanctions package against Russia in line with previous practice. The new measures will take effect on 20 August. Switzerland already added 115 individuals and entities to its sanctions list on 22 May.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
On 19.08.2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER updated the notification and authorisation forms for money transfers pursuant to Art. 21 of the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. As of August 26, only the updated forms will be accepted. The forms can be accessed here.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals, Groups, Companies, and Organisations Associated with ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaïda
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.
How the “unicorn of the seas” got its helix
A narwhal tale with a twist
EasyGov is valued by companies – redesign to deliver greater impact
The University of St Gallen published in August a new periodic Use Assessment Study of the EasyGov electronic platform on behalf of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The results clearly show that EasyGov saves Swiss SMEs a considerable amount of time and money.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
On 17 August 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER has amended annexes 12, 13 and 14 of the ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The entries relating to six individuals have been removed, the entry relating to one entity has been amended, and two individuals and one entity have been added to the annexes. The measures come into force on 18 August 2026 at 11 p.m.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals, Groups, Companies, and Organisations Associated with ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaïda
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.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Situation in Ukraine
On 14.08.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annexes 2 and 14a to the ordinance. In this context, one entity was removed from Annex 14a, and the entries concerning 610 individuals and entities were amended in Annex 2. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 17.08.2026.
Amerikanische Träume und Schweizer Widerhall
Ansprache von Bundespräsident Guy Parmelin, Vorsteher des Eidgenössischen Departements für Wirtschaft, Bildung und Forschung anlässlich der Eröffnung des Lucerne Festivals 2026, Luzern am Freitag, 14. August 2026
Sanctions: Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals, Groups, Companies, and Organisations Associated with ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaïda
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.
Hand-over of keys to Agroscope’s new laboratory building in Posieux: a milestone for the national research campus
On Friday 14 August 2026 the canton of Fribourg officially handed over the keys to Agroscope’s new laboratory building in Posieux to the Swiss Confederation. The ceremony was attended by President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin and delegations from the Fribourg State Council and the Agroscope executive board as well as the Federal Offices for Agriculture (FOAG) and Buildings and Logistics (FOBL). Thus the centrepiece of Agroscope’s new site strategy is now ready for use.
GDP flash for the second quarter of 2026: Strong growth in the Swiss economy
According to the early estimate of Switzerland's quarterly real GDP approximately 45 days after the quarter end ('GDP flash'), the Swiss economy is estimated to have grown by 1.5% in the second quarter of 2026 [1].The industrial sector made the largest contribution to growth, which was driven in particular by the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The services sector also grew as a whole.
Note: 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 3 September 2026.
[1] Adjusted for seasonal/calendar effects and sporting events Growth relative to the previous quarter.What a dry meteorite tells us about water on Mars
Detecting water where none remains today: neutron and X-ray tomography make it possible. In an international study conducted with the participation of the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, researchers have brought to light macroscopic hydrogen-rich regions inside a Martian meteorite. The findings provide evidence for early water–rock interactions on Mars.
Improving laser cutting with acoustics: The self-guiding laser
Laser cutting of metals is a powerful and flexible process. However, depending on the material’s thickness and properties, adjusting the cutting machines can be a time-consuming process. Researchers at Empa, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), and the machine manufacturer Bystronic developed a method in an Innosuisse project that allows the laser to assess the cut quality itself using cameras and microphones and, if necessary, adjust it immediately.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures Concerning Moldova
On 10.08.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended the Annex to the ordinance. In this context, 6 individuals were added to the Annex. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 11.08.2026.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Situation in Ukraine
On 10.08.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annexes 2 and 8 to the ordinance. In this context, 9 individuals and 45 organizations were added to Annex 8, and the entries concerning 11 individuals and entities were amended in Annexes 2 and 8. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 11.08.2026.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) published on 11 August 2026 a positive list relating to Article 21, paragraph 6, of the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Sanctions: Ordinance imposing measures against the Republic of South Sudan
On 10 August 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 2 of the ordinance imposing measures against the Republic of South Sudan. One entry concerning an individual has been modified. The measures come into force on 11 August 2026 at 11 p.m.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against Sudan
On 10 August 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) has amended annex 2 of the ordinance on measures against Sudan. One individual has been removed from the annex. The measures come into force on 11 August 2026 at 11 p.m.
Consumer sentiment lower than a year ago
In July 2026 the consumer sentiment index stood at –35 points. This is 2 points lower than in July 2025. The following sub-indices are lower than in July 2025: past financial situation, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases. The following sub-index has barely changed compared to July 2025: economic outlook.