AI-curated news about Switzerland
The CHF 82.5 million compensation plan for residents of the landslide-threatened village of Brienz has been challenged by ten appeals. Appellants are contesting the flat-rate formula used for calculating compensation, delaying the resettlement process.
Switzerland's fertility rate dropped to an all-time low of 1.29 children per woman in 2024, according to the Federal Statistical Office. The new data points to a significant demographic shift, with people having fewer children and starting families later in life.
A new report from the Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO) reveals that mental health conditions were the primary reason for disability insurance claims in 2025, with a significant rise among young people. Vocational rehabilitation measures have increased more than threefold since 2008.
A Geneva cantonal court has temporarily suspended a new municipal rule that banned full-cover swimwear, such as 'burkinis', in public swimming pools. The ban, which took effect in May, is now on hold pending a final legal challenge.
In a first for Switzerland, the municipality of Chiasso in Ticino will require dog owners to wash away their pet's urine from public pavements and facades, with non-compliance resulting in a CHF 100 fine.
A petition with over 110,000 signatures has been submitted to federal authorities, calling for an extension of statutory maternity leave in Switzerland from the current 14 weeks to a full six months.
After a minor loss in Q1, economists at UBS forecast the Swiss National Bank (SNB) will return to significant profitability, projecting a Q2 profit between CHF 19 and 24 billion, largely due to a strong rebound in its equity portfolio.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva has unveiled a prototype digital emblem designed to legally protect humanitarian and medical organizations against cyberattacks during conflicts, mirroring the protection of its physical emblem.
An attempt by the city of Zurich to provide financial assistance to undocumented migrants has been halted by the Zurich Administrative Court, which ruled the project contravenes higher-ranking federal and cantonal laws.
The Swiss Federal Criminal Court has fined Geneva-based private bank Lombard Odier, ruling it had inadequate organizational measures to prevent money laundering linked to Gulnara Karimova, daughter of Uzbekistan's former president.
The Swiss defence ministry is assessing the feasibility of bringing old, disused military bunkers back into service for storing supplies, equipment, and ammunition. The move reflects a broader reassessment of national defense and resilience in light of the current European security situation.
With reservoir levels at a two-decade low and no relief in sight, Swiss authorities and farmers are grappling with severe water shortages. As another major heatwave approaches, the country is restricting water use and deploying firefighters to assist with blazes in France.
Starting August 1st, the Federal Council will begin digitalizing the application and processing procedures for Swiss citizenship, aiming to modernize and streamline the path to naturalization.
As August 1st approaches, a new poll shows a majority of Swiss associate the nation's birth with the 1848 federal state, rather than the 1291 pact. This evolving sense of identity comes as the Swiss president's annual address emphasizes enduring values during times of crisis.
The United States has implemented a new 12.5% tariff on select Swiss imports, citing concerns over forced labour. Despite the move, economists at UBS are maintaining their Swiss GDP growth forecasts, anticipating that a broader European recovery will offset the impact.
A look at the evolving Swiss economy, where the country's last tie manufacturer closes its doors after 70 years, lingerie firm Calida divests a US brand, and Chinese e-commerce giant Temu partners with local SMEs to expand their digital footprint.
According to the Federal Statistical Office, Switzerland's fertility rate has fallen to an unprecedented low of 1.29 children per woman. The trend raises significant questions about the country's future demographic structure, workforce, and social security systems.
The Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Sprüngli is being sued in a US court over allegations that the company misleads consumers about its efforts to combat child labour in its West African cocoa supply chain, a claim the company firmly denies.
Swiss food giant Nestlé is restructuring its portfolio by spinning off its water business, including brands like Perrier and San Pellegrino, into a joint venture with US private equity firm Platinum Equity, valuing the new entity at €4.9 billion.
A national referendum will decide whether to embed a stricter definition of 'permanent and armed neutrality' into the Swiss constitution, sparking debate over the country's role in global politics.
From trusted Swiss news outlets