News
New STSB final report (railways) available
A new final report (railways) is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board STSB.
Commission for Historically Problematic Cultural Heritage now accepting requests
Requests for recommendations may now be submitted to the Commission for Historically Problematic Cultural Heritage (CPCH). This follows the commission’s adoption of its Rules of Procedure at its third meeting on 18 September 2026. The commission announced this im-portant milestone at a press conference today, where it also provided an update on the current state of its work. This includes consultations with federal institutions on cultural objects in the possession of the Confederation. The commission also presented two on-going projects: It considers an inventory of human and ancestral remains held in Swiss collections and institu-tions to be necessary. In addition, it intends to engage in dialogue with museums and other stakeholders to exchange information and discuss approaches to dealing with historically problematic cultural heritage.
NEST to celebrate its 10th anniversary: A crystal ball for the building sector
In 2016, a new chapter began on the Empa campus in Dübendorf with the launch of NEST. Its ambitious goal: The innovation platform, which serves as a demonstrator for the built environment, is intended to help develop more sustainable solutions for the building stock more quickly. After ten years, the results are indeed positive: ten innovative construction projects, a network of around 150 partners, and several innovations that have made it to market.
OSCE conference in Zug: Switzerland emphasises prevention, dialogue and cooperation to counter escalation after cyber incidents
As part of its Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) chairpersonship this year, on 29 September 2026 Switzerland brought together high-level representatives from the fields of politics, diplomacy and cybersecurity in order to discuss ways of preventing escalation following cyber incidents. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the OSCE chairman-in-office and head of the FDFA, emphasised the role of dialogue; Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), underlined the importance of preventive measures. The two-day conference in Zug, entitled ‘De-escalation in cyberspace: mediation and preventive diplomacy’, is the final thematic conference ahead of the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting on 3 and 4 December 2026 in Lugano.
OSCE Chairmanship Conference in Zug: "The human dimension of cybersecurity: Responsibility remains ours"
Closing speech pronounced by Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis, OSCE Chairman-in-Office, at the OSCE Chairmanship Conference on “De-escalation in Cyberspace: mediation and preventive diplomacy”. The event was held in Zug, Switzerland, on September 29th, 2026.
Switzerland and Kuwait celebrate their close ties during an official visit by the Crown Prince
The Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, was received by President Guy Parmelin at the Lohn country residence on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. This is a return visit, following Mr Parmelin’s official visit to Kuwait in February. These high-level meetings are being held to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
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.
«Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility – of the state, the economy and society»
Opening speech by Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), at the OSCE Chairpersonship Conference in Zug, Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
From hours to sub-seconds: AI model allows real-time control of laser welding
Laser welding is an advanced technique used to manufacture high-quality components for a variety of applications, from space to medicine. Researchers from Empa and the quantum computing company Terra Quantum have developed an AI model to accurately simulate and optimize the complex welding process – in fractions of a second.
Issue of Confederation bonds on 14th October 2026
Optional auction date will be maintained.
Switzerland takes part in Toronto conference on returning Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war
On 28 and 29 September, the Federal Council's delegate for Ukraine, Jacques Gerber, will represent Switzerland at Pathways to Peace, the second international conference on returning forcibly transferred or deported Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war. Switzerland's participation underpins its ongoing commitment to the protection of those affected by the war against Ukraine and to respect for international law.
Federal Council plans to introduce new Cybersecurity Act
With a view to strengthening national cybersecurity, at its 25 September meeting the Federal Council instructed the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) to draw up a consultation draft for a Federal Act on Cybersecurity by June 2027. The new, standalone Act is intended to implement three parliamentary motions in a single piece of legislation.
