News
Published weekly, the articles in this section provide information for SMEs on the following topics:
- The latest economic developments
- New studies related to SMEs in Switzerland
- Useful news for companies
The most recent articles are also posted on the SME Portal homepage.
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10 July 2026
Sanctions: Regulation on Measures Against Certain Individuals, Groups, Companies, and Organizations Associated with ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda
The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.
10 July 2026
Consumer sentiment lower than a year ago
In June 2026 the consumer sentiment index stood at –36 points. This is 4 points lower than in June 2025. The following sub-indices are lower than in June 2025: economic outlook, past financial situation, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases.
30 June 2026
Sanctions: Ordinance imposing Measures connected with the Situation in Ukraine
On 30 June 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (EAER) has updated the document “Interpretative aid for sanction measures”. The modifications are visible in track changes mode.
29 June 2026
US tariffs: Federal Council reaffirms commitment to Switzerland–US joint statement
On 14 November 2025, Switzerland and the United States signed a joint statement aimed at stabilising bilateral trade relations. The Federal Council is determined to honour its commitments under that agreement. To this end, on 29 June it published a declaration setting out how it intends to implement certain further elements of the joint statement. In return, it expects the United States to fulfil its corresponding commitments. A comprehensive trade agreement remains the Federal Council's overarching aim.
24 June 2026
Federal Council prioritises international cooperation and strengthens humanitarian aid
At its meeting on 24 June 2026, the Federal Council set out the key parameters for international cooperation from 2029. In future, Switzerland will focus its development cooperation in a more targeted manner, establish a clear division of responsibilities between the SDC and SECO, and strengthen its humanitarian aid. In doing so, it is responding to the altered geopolitical situation, enhancing the impact of its international cooperation and, at the same time, achieving savings for the federal budget. The budget for international cooperation remains virtually unchanged at around CHF 2.4 billion per year. The measures that have been adopted will result in an annual reduction of around CHF 20 million from 2027. The FDFA and the EAER were tasked with drafting a consultation document on the International Cooperation Strategy 2029–32 on this basis.
23 June 2026
Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026: Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to reconstruction
Switzerland will be represented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) to be held in Gdańsk from 25 to 26 June by a delegation led by Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council’s Delegate for Ukraine. Launched in Lugano in 2022 at Switzerland’s initiative, the Conference has become the key international forum for the reconstruction of Ukraine. This year’s event will focus on the country’s economic recovery, support for critical infrastructure, strengthening security capabilities, and promoting reforms and the fight against corruption.