News

A new notification of cessation of the investigation (aviation) is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB).

In light of the current threat landscape, the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sports (DDPS) is placing a strategic focus on drones, drone defense, and robotics. Through the Center for Unmanned Systems, the DDPS aims to work with the scientific community and industry to develop, test, and integrate new technologies into the armed forces more quickly. A new drone battalion and a dedicated drone recruit school will strengthen military capabilities and training. At the same time, the DDPS is investing in drones and systems to counter them, and is aligning its procurement strategy with rapid technological developments. In addition, the legal framework and areas of responsibility are being adapted to the threat landscape.

At its meeting on 4 November 2026 the Federal Council decided to provide an additional CHF 40 million in funding to support the population affected by armed conflict in Yemen and in Ethiopia. Switzerland's CHF 29 million for Yemen and CHF 11 million for Ethiopia represents an urgently needed contribution to the care and protection of the suffering population and to stabilisation in the region. Half of the relief package will be financed through an adjustment to the FDFA's own budget. Parliament is being asked to approve a further CHF 20 million as a supplementary credit.

From 2027, an additional CHF 9 million will be made available to licensed local radio stations and regional television stations. Furthermore, it will be possible for revenue from the radio and television fee to be used to fund general support measures. At its meeting on 4 November, the Federal Council brought the relevant amendments to the Radio and Television Act into force and adopted the corresponding provisions in the Radio and Television Ordinance.

At its meeting on 4 November, the Federal Council approved the 2027–2030 service agreement between the Confederation and the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR concerning journalistic services for audiences abroad. Despite reduced resources, it is possible to maintain a comprehensive, high-quality international service.

The Federal Council wants to increase transparency regarding genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge in patent applications. At its meeting on 4 November 2026, it adopted the dispatch on a treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. Switzerland has already had a corresponding disclosure requirement since 2008. This means that the Patents Act does not need to be amended.

From 9 November 2026, taxable persons will be able to deregister their business from VAT, create a new VAT group or edit an existing VAT group on the FTA portal. The new functions can be found on the FTA portal under ‘New transactions’. Businesses will benefit from clearly structured and user-friendly processes that reduce the administrative burden.

Opening address by FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel at the Global Dialogue on International Humanitarian Law in Geneva – Check against delivery.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia from 4 to 6 November 2026. The visits will focus on bilateral relations, European integration and the promotion of peace, stability and security in the Western Balkans. In his capacity as chairman-in-office of the OSCE, Mr Cassis will also visit the OSCE missions in Belgrade, Pristina and Skopje.

Some things are not permitted in wartime, such as bombing a hospital, targeting civilians and preventing the wounded from receiving medical treatment. International humanitarian law (IHL) sets limits on parties to armed conflicts, but the rules continue to be flouted all too often. On 3 and 4 November 2026, Switzerland and the ICRC will bring together representatives from more than 100 states in Geneva to identify concrete ways of improving compliance with these rules. This gathering is part of an initiative launched in 2024 by six states and the ICRC.

On 2 November 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) amended the Annex of the Ordinance on measures against Nicaragua. The entry concerning one individual has been modified. The measures come into force on 3 November 2026 at 11 p.m.

On 2 November 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) amended Annex 2 of the Ordinance on measures against Sudan. The entries concerning three individuals have been modified. The measures come into force on 3 November 2026 at 11 p.m.