The FDFA safeguards Switzerland’s foreign policy interests. It maintains relations with other states and international bodies such as the EU and the UN. It provides services for Swiss citizens abroad. The FDFA is also responsible for Switzerland’s development cooperation and humanitarian aid. There are around 170 Swiss representations around the world.
The world is going through a time of war, crisis and conflict: in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan as well as other countries and regions. Switzerland is committed to dialogue as a means of developing political solutions. To this end, it will be chairing the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026. The organisation has 57 member states including the US, Russia and Ukraine, all sitting at the same table.
When the situation around the world is uncertain, good neighbourly ties are crucial. This also applies to Switzerland’s relationship with the European Union. The Federal Council intends to stabilise and develop the bilateral approach, as it has made a significant contribution to Switzerland’s success over the last 25 years. Following last year’s consultation process, the Federal Council is set to adopt the dispatch to Parliament on the Swiss-EU negotiating package in 2026. This new package is aimed at customised sectoral participation for Switzerland in the EU single market as well as cooperation in selected areas.
Wide-ranging global issues are discussed in Geneva – from peace, human rights and the rule of law to international humanitarian law, health and innovation. Indeed, International Geneva serves as a major hub for interaction between states, international organisations, NGOs and other actors from the worlds of business and science, for example. To enable this dialogue to continue, the Federal Council is committed to bolstering Geneva’s position in a targeted and effective manner, even in times of limited resources.
General Secretariat GS-FDFA
Secretary General: Markus Seiler
www.fdfa.admin.ch
State Secretariat StS
State Secretary: Alexandre Fasel
Directorate of International Law DIL
Director: Franz Perrez
Consular Directorate CD
Director: Marianne Jenni
Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation SDC
Director: Patricia Danzi
www.fdfa.admin.ch/sdc
Directorate for Resources DR
Director: David Grichting
