Press information
EAER Press releases
Switzerland and Vietnam strengthen ties in trade, investment and innovation
During his official visit to Hanoi on Saturday, 17 October, President Guy Parmelin was welcomed by President Tô Lâm and Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng. The discussions focused particularly on bilateral relations between Switzerland and Vietnam, with agreements reached in several policy areas. On Sunday, 18 October, the free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states and Vietnam will also be signed.
Programme for the Development of Scientific Experiments (Prodex) celebrates its 40th anniversary
The European Space Agency's (ESA) Programme for the Development of Scientific Experiments (Prodex) is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Since 1986, the programme has provided funding for the development and use of scientific instruments and experiments. Switzerland played a key role in establishing Prodex and uses the programme to fund its space science experiments. In doing so, it promotes scientific excellence in ESA missions and missions run by international partners such as NASA, JAXA and CNES. The programme's achievements were celebrated in Zurich from 14 to 16 October.
Switzerland attends informal meeting of EU education ministers in Ireland
On 15 and 16 October, Silvia Studinger, Deputy Director and Head of the Higher Education and General Education Division at the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the informal meeting of EU education ministers. The meeting, which took place in Dublin, Ireland, focused on strategies to strengthen basic skills and improve the ability of education systems to anticipate future skills requirements.
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.
Technologies for the energy transition
The future begins in the laboratory. Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI are working on technologies to accelerate the energy transition, with a view to reconciling climate protection with security of supply. PSI is using science and innovation to meet one of the greatest challenges facing society today.
Switzerland and Thailand underscore opportunities offered by free trade
President Guy Parmelin met with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Bangkok on Thursday, 15 October, during his official visit to Thailand. The talks focused on bilateral relations, the free trade agreement negotiated between the European Free Trade Association and Thailand, and current international affairs. President Parmelin will then pay a presidential visit to Vietnam and, together with the EFTA partners, sign a free trade agreement.
Launch of Climate Solutions Hub within the ETH Domain: Overcoming the scaling challenge for climate solutions
The climate crisis demands rapid and effective solutions – yet many promising climate technologies remain stuck in pilot and demonstration projects. What is missing is the step towards a broad implementation. This is precisely where the new Climate Solutions Hub (CSH) by Empa and Eawag comes in: It investigates why transformative climate solutions fail to scale and, together with partners from research, industry, and the public sector, develops ways to overcome these barriers. As a result, the CSH is among the first research hubs worldwide to focus explicitly on the scaling of innovative climate solutions.
Switzerland at 2026 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Bangkok
President Guy Parmelin and Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, as well as 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 Bangkok from 15 to 17 October 2026. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will also take place during the Annual Meetings. The Swiss delegation will additionally use the event for bilateral talks.
New agreement on digital trade
On 14 October, the Federal Council launched the consultation process on the plurilateral Agreement on Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce Agreement, ECA). The ECA establishes a common regulatory framework for digital trade among 67 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and enhances legal certainty for businesses. The consultation procedure will run until 28 January 2027.
New method for inspecting fuel rods
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have been examining the cladding tubes of nuclear reactor fuel rods using a new 3D imaging technique. They were able to determine with extremely high precision how the quality of the cladding changes over time as a result of corrosion and radiation exposure. The oxide layer on the tubes proved to retain its density even after years in operation. The new method allows this to be checked in great detail.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
On 13 October 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER updated the authorisation form for money transfers pursuant to Art. 21 of the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. As of today, only the updated form will be accepted. The form can be accessed here.
Moving chalcogenide materials closer to application Bright crystals
Chalcogenides are versatile materials that are the subject of active research for solar cells, photodetectors and other light and energy conversion applications. Researchers at Empa’s Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces laboratory have for the first time successfully measured chalcogenide perovskites' light-emission efficiency, showing that they are much more efficient at emitting light than expected. The researchers are also exploring promising superconducting and quantum properties in a needle-like form of the material that was previously considered an undesirable byproduct.
Nobel Prize meets PSI research
This year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine honours optogenetics – a biotechnological method through which light can be used to selectively control processes in cells. At the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, researchers are working to extend this principle beyond nerve cells to other cell types and organs. This could lead to a new generation of optogenetic tools – even to the point of being able to control biological processes with light instead of drugs in the future.
Education scenarios vary widely by level of education
According to the Federal Statistical Office’s (FSO) reference scenario, the number of students attending Swiss higher education institutions is expected to continue to rise (+21% between 2026 and 2035) and to exceed 300 000 at bachelor and master degree level. This increase is largely attributable to population growth and a rise in the number of students from abroad. At the same time, owing to the decline in the number of births, pupil numbers in primary education are expected to fall significantly from 2029 (‒8% between 2026 and 2035), and those in lower secondary education from 2034. The number of secondary II pupils is expected to grow at least until 2035. These are the main results of the 2026–2035 education system scenarios.
Ukraine reconstruction agreement enters into force
The bilateral agreement establishes the legal basis for greater involvement of Swiss companies in rebuilding Ukraine's infrastructure and economy.
Consumer sentiment practically the same as a year ago
In September 2026 the consumer sentiment index stood at –36 points. This is just under 1 point higher than in September 2025. The following sub-index is higher than in September 2025: economic outlook. The following sub-indices are lower than a year ago: past financial situation, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases.
Sanctions: Ordinance on Economic Measures against the Republic of Iraq
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 new approach to treating chronic wounds: Patch brings light to wound care
Chronic wounds place a burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Researchers at Empa are therefore working on an innovative material that releases active ingredients when exposed to visible light. As a component of a wound patch, this technology could improve wound treatment and pave the way for a new generation of smart wound therapies.
Switzerland and India strengthen ties in a range of policy areas during presidential visit
On Monday 5 October, President Guy Parmelin met India’s President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other members of the Indian government in New Delhi. Discussions held with Mr Modi focused on economic relations and cooperation in the fields of education and research. Switzerland and India also concluded two agreements, one on migration and one on training exchanges for young professionals.
Ukraine: Federal Council approves additional Swiss private-sector projects
On 2 October, the Federal Council decided to fund eight projects by Swiss companies to support reconstruction in Ukraine. The projects were selected through a competitive selection process.