News

The Federal Government Expert Group on Business Cycles has revised its growth forecast for Switzerland slightly downward. GDP is now expected to increase by 0.9% in 2026 – well below the historical average – followed by 1.6% in 2027 (March forecast: 1.0% and 1.7% respectively). [1] The crisis in the Middle East is driving up energy prices and weighing on the global economy. Uncertainty remains high.

Empa researcher Vanja Djinlev has been appointed a member of the Swiss Young Academy. The appointment recognizes his scientific achievements as well as his commitment to bridging the gap between research and society, particularly in the pursuit of greater energy justice.

The fall in the number of births that began in 2022 continued in 2025, but was less pronounced than in 2024 (‒0.1%), and deaths have remained relatively stable. As a result, natural population change fell between 2024 and 2025 (‒1.0%). Switzerland also recorded fewer marriages and fewer divorces last year. These are some of the final annual results of the 2025 Vital Statistics from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Construction Price Index recorded a rise of 0.6% between October 2025 and April 2026, reaching 100.6 points (October 2025 = 100). This result reflects an increase in building and civil engineering prices. Year on year, construction prices rose by 1.0%. These are some of the findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

A delegation from armasuisse led by the Deputy National Armaments Director Thomas Rothacher visited the international arms fair Eurosatory in Paris from 15 to 17 June 2026.

On 17 June 2026, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, opened this year's annual Security Review Conference of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna. The conference is one of the OSCE’s most important platforms for discussing regional security challenges.

The Swiss National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct, which is based within the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), has undergone an review by the relevant OECD committee. On 17 June 2026, the OECD recognised the Swiss National Contact Point for its high level of professionalism and effectiveness. At the same time, the report contains recommendations aimed at further strengthening the visibility, transparency and impact of the mechanism.

Address by Federal Councillor and Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE Ignazio Cassis in Vienna – Check against delivery

Because of various savings measures passed by the Swiss Parliament and the Federal Council, Agroscope’s ordinary budget shows a structural deficit of around CHF 10 million. This makes a narrowing of the thematic focus of the research portfolio essential, and leads to a loss of 58 full-time positions. Even with this narrowed focus, Agroscope will remain a competent and competitive research institution for the Swiss agriculture and food sector over the long term. The site strategy for Agroscope passed by the Federal Council in May 2020 will continue to be implemented.

On 15.06.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 8 to the ordinance. In this process, 16 individuals and 7 organizations were added to the annex. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 16.06.2026.

On 15 June 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 7 to the ordinance. The entries concerning 18 individuals and 4 entities have been modified. In addition, 7 entries have been removed. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 16 June 2026.

On 15 June 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended the annex of the ordinance on measures against individuals and entities who support Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Ten individuals have been added to the annex. The measures come into force on 16 June 2026 at 11 p.m.