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Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) at the General Assembly of SWISS MEDTECH in Lugano – Check against delivery

Opening this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA) on 18 May in Geneva, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider underscored the importance of a sustainably funded World Health Organization (WHO). The organisation must be capable of tackling the global health challenges. The Federal Councillor also reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to multilateralism and to Geneva’s role as a centre of global health. On the sidelines of the Assembly, Switzerland hosted a side event on trusted health data in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

According to the early estimate of Switzerland's quarterly real GDP approximately 45 days after the quarter end ('GDP flash'), Swiss economic output is estimated to have grown by 0.5 % in the first quarter of 2026 [1]. Both the industrial and services sectors contributed to this growth.Note: The flash estimate is based on early information available on the production components of GDP. Estimates are used where values are not yet available. The result may therefore change after the complete and updated source data become available. The regular release of quarterly GDP figures, including details on production, expenditure and income as well as updated calculations for the previous quarters, will be published on 1 June 2026.[1] Adjusted for seasonal/calendar effects and sporting events. Growth relative to the previous quarter.

The Federal Tax Administration has updated the course listings and bonus shares 2024, 2025 and 2026.

In the first quarter 2026, the number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 0.2% year-on-year. The unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) rose from 4.7% to 5.2% in Switzerland, whereas in the EU it fell from 6.2% to 6.1%. These are some of the results of the Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS) conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, visited the Republic of Moldova from 13 to 15 May 2026. While there, he represented Switzerland at the annual Council of Europe Committee of Ministers in Chisinau. As Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), he also held a series of meetings aimed at supporting the organisation's role in the Transdniestrian conflict settlement process and encouraging the parties to engage in dialogue.

Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) on the occasion of the 135th Ministerial Session of the Council of Europe in Chisinau (Moldova) – Check against delivery

On 14 May 2026, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Mihai Popșoi, the OSCE Secretary General, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, met in Chisinau. The promotion of effective multilateralism and the use of the respective and complementary strengths of the two organisations were at the centre of the discussions.

At its meeting on 13 May 2026, the Federal Council adopted Switzerland's fourth country report on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The interim results for the years 2022–26 are mixed. This report is also the last country report in the current format. Cantons, communes and cities have developed many new approaches to implementing the sustainability goals. Despite geopolitical shifts, the 2030 Agenda remains the global frame of reference for sustainable development.

At its meeting on 13 May 2026, the Federal Council took note of the tenth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). Under the Act, companies wishing to offer private security services abroad from Switzerland are required to notify the competent authority in advance. In 2025, the competent authorities received 82 declarations from companies. Although no activities were prohibited, two criminal complaints were lodged with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland.

At a time of far-reaching geopolitical developments, the Federal Council is sending a clear signal in support of freedom of navigation and international law. At its meeting on 13 May 2026, it approved Switzerland's accession to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. The Protocol stipulates that there should be open and secure transit through the Panama Canal for all nations at all times.

The Swiss Confederation issued two bonds by auction on 13.05.2026: 1.25%, maturity 27.06.2037 (reopening) and 0.50%, maturity 24.05.2055 (reopening). The issuance volume (excluding own holdings) amounts to a total of 450.000 million francs.