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Agreements and politics

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

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333 articles on agreements and politics, newest first.

• Bilateral III: Cantonal governments say yes

  The Conference of Governments of Western Switzerland meeting in Fribourg supports the package of agreements with the EU, underlining the importance for stable access to the continental market.

• Nurseries: Parliament requests blacklist for staff

  Cross-cutting motion to the Federal Council to prevent childcare abuse. The government stalls and promises a report by the end of 2027.

• New US duties on Swiss goods: what changes from 2026

  From 24 July 2026, the United States will apply variable tariffs of up to 12.5% on Swiss goods. SECO monitors the implications for businesses.

• Consultation opened by the Federal Department

  The Federal Council has proposed a series of legislative adjustments for the 2030+ agricultural policy.

• The more you work, the more you stay: the Ticino laps reform

  The League calls for a reform of the laps with temporary incentives to work to eliminate the “poverty trap” and combat the impact of the LAMal awards.

• Federal Council launches agricultural consultation 2030

  Bern, 2 September 2026: Federal Council opens PA30+ consultation. Budget CHF 13.8 billion for 2030-2033. Margin of manoeuvre for farmers, sustainability of the supply chain. Public participation until 8 December.

• Mountain hotels: 100 million for modernization

  The Federal Council launches a program of 100 million francs over eight years for the energy rehabilitation of mountain hotel facilities.

• Federal Council adopts message on Agreement with Saudi Arabia

  The Federal Council adopted the message on the Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement with Saudi Arabia, filling the legal vacuum created after the denunciation of the previous agreement.

• Mountain hotels: 100 million for sanitation

  The Federal Council allocates 100 million francs for the energy modernization of mountain hotel facilities in the period 2028-2035.

• Legumes with meat textures: ETH Zurich research

  ETH researchers transform peas, beans and lentils into products with a fibrous meat-like structure, reducing food waste.

• Bank employees: ASIB accepts UBS regulations

  The ASIB supports the CET-S's proposal to regulate UBS and calls for mandatory social plans as the banking sector faces an unprecedented employment crisis.

• 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.

• 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: no new fines for detour traffic

  The Grand Council of Graubünden rejects the UDC motion by 67 votes to 41: no anti-divert project until a ruling on the Birsfelden 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.

• Bern renews support for film festivals

  The Federal Office of Culture funds 10 festivals for 2027-2029. Locarno Film Festival confirmed with CHF 1.73 million per year.

• Parmelin farm visit: aid against drought

  The president of the Confederation visits research on resistant crops in Vaud. Government supports farmers with CHF 54 million in interest-free loans and suspends duties.

• 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.

• Public finances 2025: surplus but debt grows

  Federal administration: surplus of 4 billion in 2025, gross debt rises to 353.2 billion (40.7% GDP). Impact on taxes and social benefits.

• 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.