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Agreements and politics

Bilateral treaties, the tax agreement, federal votes and reforms affecting cross-border workers.

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192 articles on agreements and politics, newest first.

• Swiss banks, the CET-S restrains the Federal Council on equity capital

  The Commission of the Council of States modifies the government's proposal: up to half of the coverage may come from AT1 bonds, not just from CET-1.

• Neutrality in the Constitution: on September 27 the federal vote

  Initiative filed in April 2024 with over 132,000 valid signatures. EU sanctions and military cooperation in the sights of the promoters.

• Graubünden: Grand Council halted pending Birsfelden case

  Vote 67-41: the Grison Parliament follows the Government and postpones any decision on diverted traffic until the ruling on the BL model.

• Graubünden: guaranteed cash payment for services

  The Grand Council approves the Bettinaglio counter-project: taxes and transport in Graubünden can be paid in cash, despite digitalisation.

• Cash in Graubünden: OK to the counterproject

  The Grison Parliament approves a counter-project that guarantees payment in cash for taxes and public services, anticipating a popular initiative.

• September: 8 million francs for federal votes

  Two initiatives on the ballot on 27 September: neutrality and nutrition. The Federal Financial Controller records a budget of CHF 7.88 million.

• National exhibitions: yes to the message, no co-financing until 2040

  The Federal Council approves on 26 August 2026 the message on the new law: maximum federal contribution at 30% and parliamentary decision no earlier than 2035.

• Russia interferes in Swiss neutrality vote

  RT.DE and social media used by Moscow to influence the September 27 neutrality vote. Government acknowledges threat of disinformation.

• Canicola and drought: the Government wants more funds

  The Federal Council is asking for CHF 71.5 million to support forests and farmers affected by the record drought of 2026.

• Glarner leaves the National Council at the end of the year

  Andreas Glarner (UDC/AG) announces his resignation from the Federal Parliament on 31 December 2026. He also leaves the presidency of the Argosino party.

• Black work in cleaning: the collapse of the declared

  In 2025, filers plummeted to 65,669. Only 239 checks in homes. The Federal Council proposes a revision of the law on undeclared work.

• Federal Council: CHF 71.5M for forest and agriculture

  The Federal Council approves CHF 17.5M for forests and CHF 54M for farms affected by the record drought of summer 2026.

• Global environment: 176 million from Switzerland until 2030

  The Federal Council approves a commitment appropriation of CHF 176.23 million to finance international environmental projects from 2027 to 2030, but Parliament will have to approve it.

• Federal Council approves SECO-IMF partnership for economy

  On 26 August, the Swiss Government allocated CHF 40 million for the SECO-FMI 2026-2030 programme, strengthening global economic institutions for the benefit of Swiss businesses.

• Drought 2026: 70 million for forests and agriculture

  The Federal Council is asking Parliament for over 70 million francs: 17.5 million annually from 2028 for forests, 54 million once for farmers in 2026.

• Parental allowances: new entitlements from 1 July 2027

  The Federal Council approves the amendments to the IPG law: from 1 July 2027 parents and families will have access to benefits hitherto reserved for the military.

• Neutrality initiative weakens Switzerland's role

  An alliance of 22 organisations warns that approval of the neutrality initiative would result in disengagement from international law and weaken Switzerland's position in promoting peace.

• Army, the compromise on financing

  The Finance Commission proposes a fund with debt of up to 6 billion per year from 2027. Financing: VAT +0.2%, credit residuals and surpluses 2026. Voting in September and December 2026.

• Swiss watch exports: FH urges caution

  June and July on the rise, but global uncertainty curbs optimism. US stable (+14.9%), China crisis (-7.1%), France anomalous boom (+70%). China Agreement will reduce customs duties.

• MPs and SISA against the increase in university fees

  On August 25th, MPs and SISA protest against tax increases at USI and SUPSI. Ticino fees were already above the Swiss average; concern for Bilaterals III.

• Export Watches Rises: Cautious Growth, China Difficult

  After two months of increase, the president of the FH calls for caution. USA +14.9% vs July 2024; China -16.5% June, -18.5% July. New Bern-Beijing agreement will reduce tariffs gradually.

• Amnesty vs Swiss neutrality initiative

  Amnesty International Switzerland opposes the neutrality initiative: it would limit economic and diplomatic sanctions. Vote on 27 September 2026.

• Switzerland-EU: bilateral and neutrality between geopolitical stability

  Cassis announces the return of Switzerland to Horizon Europe. On 27 September, a crucial vote on the neutrality initiative. The head of the FDFA illustrates the path from the suspended negotiations of 2021 to the current agreements.

• Drought 2026: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

  The drought in Switzerland in 2026: causes, consequences and how to solve the problem.