Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER

The fifth edition of the International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) began today in Geneva, with Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in attendance. The central theme is the future of humanitarian aid in an international context marked by a proliferation of crises and a significant reduction in funding. The event provides a platform for exchanges between political leaders, representatives of international organisations, humanitarian actors, academic experts and private sector partners, many of whom are based in Geneva.

On 26 February 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (EAER) has updated the document “Interpretative aid for sanction measures”. The modifications are visible in track changes mode.

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.

On 25 February, the Federal Council decided to adopt the further measures contained in the European Union's 19th package of sanctions against Russia with effect from 26 February. On 12 December last year, 64 individuals and entities were already added to Switzerland's sanctions list, and the first measures of the 19th sanctions package were adopted.

On 25 February 2026, the Federal Council was informed that President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen would sign the Switzerland–EU package of agreements (Bilaterals III) in Brussels on Monday, 2 March.

Following the repeal of country-specific additional tariffs by the Supreme Court, the US president introduced new additional tariffs citing a different legal basis. The principal objective of Switzerland's negotiations with the US remains unchanged. The Federal Council was informed of the initial findings on 25 February and will discuss further developments at one of its next meetings.