Federal Council decisions: news and votes 2026 (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Bill for women's voluntary service project
• Goal of zero CO2 emissions by the administration by 2040
• Public vote scheduled for September 27, 2026
• Measures for heatwaves, drought, forests, and agriculture

Key facts

• Body: Federal Council
• Public vote date: September 27, 2026
• Voting topics: Neutrality initiative and food initiative
• EU package transmission date: March 13, 2026

The official website of the Swiss Government provides up-to-date information on the decisions and activities of the Federal Council, its functioning as a collegial body, as well as on popular votes. Among the topics at the center of institutional attention are recent legislative initiatives and major national deadlines that directly involve the administration and citizens residing on Swiss territory. The federal authorities continue to publish details regarding upcoming trips to the polls and projects currently undergoing parliamentary review.

Legislative projects and reforms

Swiss women will be required to participate in an information day on the army and civil protection. The Federal Council has submitted to Parliament a bill aimed at encouraging women to perform voluntary service. Meanwhile, the central federal administration must play an exemplary role in the field of climate protection and must reduce CO2 emissions to zero by 2040. A further development concerns the promotion of fiber optics in sparsely populated areas, for which the executive has approved the message relating to the broadband support law to be submitted to Parliament for discussion and formal approval.

Operational details

The activity of the Federal Council also touches on the management of environmental and climate emergencies on the national territory. In response to seasonal criticalities, the Federal Council has decided to take further measures to cope with periods of heatwave and drought. The additional funds allocated in this context will be earmarked specifically for forests and agriculture, sectors that are particularly vulnerable to prolonged climate change. The evolution of these measures and the general situation will be reassessed at the end of October by the competent authorities.

International relations and electoral appointments

A major chapter concerns diplomatic and economic relations with the European Union. Switzerland and the EU have negotiated a new package of agreements aimed at stabilising and developing bilateral relations. The Federal Council formally forwarded the Switzerland-EU package to Parliament on 13 March 2026, initiating the institutional process envisaged for the examination and subsequent parliamentary passages.

On the direct democracy front, the timetable for the next popular pronouncements is already set. The popular vote on 27 September 2026 will see Swiss citizens express themselves on two specific issues: the neutrality initiative and the food initiative, which will define important directions for the country's future.

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Key points

For those who live or work in Switzerland, following the evolution of federal dossiers and institutional deadlines is fundamental to understanding the regulatory changes that affect the country. Access to official information through institutional channels allows you to stay up to date on the progress of draft laws transmitted to Parliament, on ongoing consultations and on the results of decisions taken by the governing college.

How to check deadlines and grades

Residents of Switzerland can regularly consult the official portal of the Swiss Government to monitor the progress of popular votes, such as the upcoming one on 27 September 2026, and to check the modalities of participation in the various institutions of direct democracy. It is also possible to deepen the economic and social security situation using the available financial planning tools.

To better plan your economic situation and assess the impact of taxes, wages and pensions in Switzerland, you can use the official calculator available on the portal. Check your economic and social security position now with the calcolatore stipendio e imposte.

Source: admin.ch