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.
Listed by date
RSS feed SECO News
13 November 2026
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organisations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has 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.
6 November 2026
Consumer sentiment lower than a year ago
In October 2026 the consumer sentiment index stood at –45 points. This is 8 points lower than in October 2025. The following sub-indices are lower than in October 2025: past financial situation, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases. The following sub-index has barely changed compared to October 2025: economic outlook.
4 November 2026
Ukraine: Federal Council implements 21st package of sanctions
On 4 November, the Federal Council decided to adopt the measures from the European Union’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia and Belarus. The EAER expanded and updated the sanctions lists relating to Russia and Belarus on 3 November. Switzerland is therefore adopting the amendments made by the EU as part of the 21st package of sanctions and other decisions. The amendments to the sanctions lists will come into effect at 11pm on 4 November, while the sectoral measures will come into force on 5 November.
3 November 2026
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against Nicaragua
On 2 November 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) amended the Annex of the Ordinance on measures against Nicaragua. The entry concerning one individual has been modified. The measures come into force on 3 November 2026 at 11 p.m.
3 November 2026
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against Sudan
On 2 November 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) amended Annex 2 of the Ordinance on measures against Sudan. The entries concerning three individuals have been modified. The measures come into force on 3 November 2026 at 11 p.m.
30 October 2026
Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against individuals and groups associated with the Taliban
The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organisations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has 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.