Press information
EAER Press releases
SECO: Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Situation in Ukraine
On 29.01.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 28 to the ordinance. As a result, the price cap on Russian crude oil has been lowered from USD 47.6 to USD 44.1. The new price cap comes into force on 1.02.2026.
Switzerland attends informal Meeting of EU Education Ministers in Cyprus
On 29 and 30 January 2026, Rémy Hübschi, Deputy Director of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), attended an informal Meeting of EU Education Ministers in Cyprus. The event in Lefkosia (Cyprus) focussed on reinforcing the teaching profession.
President Parmelin to visit Kuwait and attend World Governments Summit in Dubai
At the beginning of next week President Guy Parmelin will pay a visit to the Arabian Peninsula. The first destination will be Kuwait, with which Switzerland this year celebrates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Mr Parmelin will then attend the World Governments Summit in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Muons receive funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation
President Parmelin has approved the funding application of a large consortium led by the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and the University of Zurich. With the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Muoniverse, muon research at PSI will be equipped for the future to address research questions from science and industry. A lighthouse project with international prominence.
Six new National Centres of Competence in Research strengthen Swiss cutting-edge research in strategically important areas
President Guy Parmelin, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), has decided to launch six new National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs). The federal government thus seeks to reinforce Swiss research and innovation activities in strategically important areas such as medicine, quantum technology and climate. During the initial operating phase from 2026 to 2029, the federal government will provide CHF 98.7 million in seed funding for these extensive research undertakings. Participating higher education institutions and research institutes will contribute additional funding at least equal to the amount provided by the federal government.
Average annual inflation for residential property in 2025 was 4.6%
The Swiss Residential Property Price Index (IMPI) rose in the 4th quarter 2025 by 0.5% compared with the previous quarter and reached 125.0 points (4th quarter 2019 = 100). Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, inflation was 3.9%. Average annual inflation for residential property in 2025 was 4.6%. These are some of the results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Place of residence influences access to apprenticeships
Access to apprenticeship places in Switzerland differs significantly depending on where young people live. This is shown by a new study conducted by the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training SFUVET. It sheds light on the still little-known structure of regional apprenticeship markets. Around 95 per cent of young people have access to more than 100 of the roughly 250 apprenticeship pathways in Switzerland when searching for a training place.
Switzerland joins EU sanctions aimed at curbing gang violence in Haiti
The Federal Council is responding to the dramatic situation in Haiti. On 28 January, it took the decision to join the EU sanctions aimed at curbing gang violence. This extends the existing Ordinance on measures concerning Haiti. The new measures come into force at 11pm on 28 January.
Federal Council confirms Tanja Zimmermann as director of Empa
On 28 January, the Federal Council appointed Professor Tanja Zimmermann to a further four-year term as director of the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa). This term will run from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2030.
SECO: Ordinance on measures concerning Guatemala
Bern, 27.01.2026 - On 26 January 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER amended the annex of the ordinance on measures concerning Guatemala. The entries concerning five individuals were modified. These measures will come into force on 27 January 2026 at 11 p.m.
International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
Message from the President of the Swiss Confederation on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
New generation of FireDrone for fire fighters and industry: A flying eye that doesn't mind the heat
The FireDrone is designed to deliver real-time data from high-risk areas that are too dangerous for humans and conventional drones. Developed at Empa and continued as a spin-off, the new generation of drones combines heat-resistant materials with practical robotics – for firefighting operations and industrial inspections involving extreme temperatures.
President's talks in Davos focus on global economic relations and geopolitical issues
On the margins of the 2026 WEF Annual Meeting, President Guy Parmelin met with more than a dozen heads of state and government for extended bilateral talks. This year, there was a particular focus on issues relating to global trade and Switzerland's bilateral trade relations.
Wood, coal, and kitchen fumes: The sources of Sarajevo’s smog have been identified
Worldwide, it ranks among the cities with the highest levels of air pollution – and it’s located in the heart of Europe: Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Previously, the spatial distribution of air pollutants here was largely unknown, as were their sources. Now the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, using its mobile laboratory, has provided the first reliable data – and found the causes of the high level of pollution.
Davos: Trade ministers lay the groundwork for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference
At the invitation of President Guy Parmelin, trade ministers responsible for World Trade Organization (WTO) issues and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala met in Davos on 22 January. They discussed the role of the WTO in addressing global trade policy challenges. In particular, they discussed possible avenues for compromise on certain negotiating topics and priorities for WTO reform. These issues will be at the heart of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, to be held in Cameroon in March.
EU Green Deal project HyMetBat develops new analytical methods for batteries - A “stress ECG” for batteries
Sustainable and high-performance batteries are a key technology for the energy transition. The EU-funded project HyMetBat aims to accelerate the development of new energy storage systems by developing reliable methods for characterizing different types of batteries. As part of the project, Empa is working on monitoring batteries during operation.
From Field and Barn to Plate: Agroscope’s New Work Programme Places a Greater Focus on Impact and Practical Benefits
Agroscope’s 2026-2029 Work Programme addresses the most important challenges facing the Swiss agriculture and food sector, and agricultural practitioners in particular. The focus is on six key issues to be addressed by the research institute in 42 research programmes and around 360 projects. Areas such as plant protection, plant breeding, climate-change adaptation and economic efficiency will be strengthened.
WEF Opening address
Opening address by President Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Check against delivery.
Polymer cables for MRI applications: No place for metal
Anyone who has ever had to get a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan knows that magnetic and highly conductive materials are a no-go in the tube-shaped scanners. However, for complex diagnoses and medical research, this imaging technique often needs to be combined with other methods that require conductive cables. As part of an Innosuisse project with the Swiss company TI Solutions, researchers at Empa have developed polymer-based cables that function safely and reliably in MRI machines.
A comprehensive energy system model for Switzerland
Energy systems face complicated, long-term challenges with a high degree of uncertainty – and every country’s is different. To explore these challenges and support decision-making, the STEM energy systems model from the Energy Economics Group at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI has become an essential tool for guiding the energy transition in Switzerland.