News
Federal Council sets out strategic direction for the Geneva AI Summit 2027 and appoints Fabiola Gianotti as Delegate
At its meeting on 12 August, the Federal Council set out the strategic direction and project organisation for the Geneva AI Summit 2027. It appointed Fabiola Gianotti as its Delegate. The former Director-General of CERN is tasked with implementing the defined objectives.
Too-big-to-fail regulations: Federal Council launches consultation on amendments to Banking Act and Liquidity Ordinance
During its meeting on 12 August 2026, the Federal Council launched the consultation on amendments to the Banking Act and the Liquidity Ordinance. The proposed measures complete the overall package aimed at strengthening the stability of the financial centre. The requirements on bank governance and on crisis preparations for systemically important banks are to be increased. In addition, the tools and powers of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) are to be extended, and banks' access to liquidity from the Swiss National Bank (SNB) is to be expanded. The consultations will run until 19 November 2026.
‘Constitutional amendment concerning Bilaterals III’ parliamentary initiative: Federal Council reaffirms its position
At its meeting on 12 August 2026, the Federal Council adopted its statement on the ‘Constitutional amendment concerning the Bilaterals III’ parliamentary initiative submitted by the Political Institutions Committee of the Council of States (PIC-S). This initiative calls for a transitional provision in the Federal Constitution which provides for the ratification of the agreements on the stabilisation of relations between Switzerland and the EU by the Federal Council. This would mean that these agreements would be subject to a mandatory referendum. On 30 April 2025, the Federal Council came out in favour of an optional referendum on an international treaty and confirmed this decision when adopting its dispatch of 13 March 2026. It has today reaffirmed its position and requested that the Council of States does not enter into deliberations on the PIC-S’s parliamentary initiative.
Federal Council rejects financial centre initiative
The Federal Council will recommend that Parliament reject the popular initiative “For a sustainable and future-oriented Swiss financial centre (financial centre initiative)” without a direct or indirect counter-proposal. This was decided during its meeting on 12 August 2026. The Federal Council is already committed to ensuring that the Swiss financial centre operates in a sustainable manner. However, it views the additional bans called for by the initiative as questionable from an international perspective.
2026 OSCE Ministerial Council in Lugano: Swiss federal funding for security costs
The annual OSCE Ministerial Council will take place in Lugano on 3 and 4 December 2026. A few weeks before Switzerland’s term as OSCE Chair comes to an end, the meeting will bring together numerous foreign ministers from around the world. To ensure security of the event and its participants, extensive measures will be put in place. At its meeting on 12 August 2026, the Federal Council decided to classify the conference as an extraordinary event. Federal funding will therefore be provided to cover most of the security costs incurred by the Canton of Ticino authorities.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures Concerning Moldova
On 10.08.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended the Annex to the ordinance. In this context, 6 individuals were added to the Annex. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 11.08.2026.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Situation in Ukraine
On 10.08.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annexes 2 and 8 to the ordinance. In this context, 9 individuals and 45 organizations were added to Annex 8, and the entries concerning 11 individuals and entities were amended in Annexes 2 and 8. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 11.08.2026.
SECO: Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) published on 11 August 2026 a positive list relating to Article 21, paragraph 6, of the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Neutrality initiative: Federal Council rejects rigid interpretation and upholds established practice in line with national interest
Neutrality in its current form has stood the test of time for over 180 years. The Federal Council and Parliament therefore wish to maintain neutrality in its current form. It safeguards Switzerland’s freedom, security and independence. It is precisely the ability to respond appropriately to new challenges that has made neutrality so strong, said Federal Councillor and head of the FDFA Ignazio Cassis at the launch of the referendum campaign on the neutrality initiative in Bern. The initiative calls for a more restrictive concept of neutrality. The referendum is not about whether Switzerland will remain neutral in future: “Switzerland has been and is neutral, and it will remain neutral,” emphasised Mr Cassis.
Sanctions: Ordinance imposing measures against the Republic of South Sudan
On 10 August 2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 2 of the ordinance imposing measures against the Republic of South Sudan. One entry concerning an individual has been modified. The measures come into force on 11 August 2026 at 11 p.m.
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against Sudan
On 10 August 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) has amended annex 2 of the ordinance on measures against Sudan. One individual has been removed from the annex. The measures come into force on 11 August 2026 at 11 p.m.
Course listings (ICTax)
The Federal Tax Administration has updated the course listings and bonus shares 2024, 2025 and 2026.