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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.

• 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.

• 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.

• A compromise to fund the army

  The Finance Commission of the Council of States approves the plan. Fund with debt of up to 6 billion per year from 2027, financed by an increase in VAT and residual credit.

• 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.

• Roche Acquires Rights to Experimental Obesity Treatment

  The deal with South Korean company Hanmi could be worth up to $2.3 billion.

• Opening a business in Fribourg: registration and costs

  Legal form, registration in the trade register, 3-tier taxation and legal obligations. How to start a business in the Canton of Fribourg.

• Finance ministers: Keller-Sutter in Vaduz for European economy

  On 24 August, the Federal Councillor will attend the annual meeting with German-speaking colleagues in Liechtenstein to discuss finances, climate and stability.

• Mute Federal Council on Climate: Mazzone calls for a course

  Critical greens: the government has spent 900M on the army, zero on climate. Lisa Mazzone asks for DATEC to be removed from Rösti and an urgent priority.

• UDC prepares referendum against EU agreements

  The UDC is preparing to launch referendums against the upcoming agreements between Switzerland and the EU. Marcel Dettling declares the will of the party to fight any agreement. Collecting signatures.

• UDC and Green Assemblies, the neutrality initiative is discussed

  UDC and Green delegates meet today to discuss the neutrality initiative and the food initiative.

• Asylum seekers from the Maghreb, 80% are involved in crimes

  80.5% of applicants from the Maghreb were charged with crimes. The SEM accelerates procedures and makes agreements with Morocco for faster repatriations.

• Gfs survey: neutrality close to no, power 50-50

  The first gfs.bern poll on the votes of 27 September: neutrality towards rejection (54%), hovering food (49% vs 47%). Regional differences.

• More Vote September 27: neutrality towards no, more tight power

  The initiative on neutrality is heading towards a rejection, while that on food is in substantial equilibrium.

• New nuclear plant: CHF 14 billion to CHF 43 billion

  A report by the Swiss Academies estimates costs between CHF 14 billion and CHF 43 billion. Necessary state support for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Switzerland.

• Mandatory helmet for scooters: Federal Council plan

  The Federal Council proposes mandatory helmet for electric scooters after the increase in accidents. Find out what's going to change in Switzerland.