News

In response to the threat of a winter electricity shortage, the Confederation gradually established a winter reserve from 2022 onwards. To secure this electricity reserve between 2030 and 2045, the Confederation plans to provide generation capacity from four reserve power plants at a cost of CHF 2.3 billion. Parliament is expected to consider the matter during the 2026 autumn session. The winter reserve is financed by consumers through a surcharge on electricity tariffs. The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) conducted its audit at the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), the Federal Electricity Commission (ElCom) and Swissgrid. It assessed the decision-making process for determining the need for the electricity reserve, the economic efficiency of the selection and sizing of the individual reserve types, and the procurement process for the new reserve power plants. Overall, the procurement of reserve capacity was economically efficient. However, significant savings potential remained untapped in the selection and sizing of the individual reserve types.

Effective since 1 April 2025, critical infrastructure operators must report cyberattacks to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) within 24 hours. For this purpose, the NCSC uses the Cyber Security Hub (CSH) online platform, via which reportable incidents and up-to-date threat and vulnerability data can be exchanged. The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) conducted an audit to determine whether the NCSC has a robust cyber reporting platform, both technically and organisationally, and sufficient staffing to perform its statutory tasks in connection with the reporting obligation. It concluded that CSH enables efficient report processing and that the staffing of the incident management team is sufficient.

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.

A new notification of cessation of the investigation (aviation) is available on the website of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB).

In light of the current threat landscape, the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sports (DDPS) is placing a strategic focus on drones, drone defense, and robotics. Through the Center for Unmanned Systems, the DDPS aims to work with the scientific community and industry to develop, test, and integrate new technologies into the armed forces more quickly. A new drone battalion and a dedicated drone recruit school will strengthen military capabilities and training. At the same time, the DDPS is investing in drones and systems to counter them, and is aligning its procurement strategy with rapid technological developments. In addition, the legal framework and areas of responsibility are being adapted to the threat landscape.

At its meeting on 4 November 2026 the Federal Council decided to provide an additional CHF 40 million in funding to support the population affected by armed conflict in Yemen and in Ethiopia. Switzerland's CHF 29 million for Yemen and CHF 11 million for Ethiopia represents an urgently needed contribution to the care and protection of the suffering population and to stabilisation in the region. Half of the relief package will be financed through an adjustment to the FDFA's own budget. Parliament is being asked to approve a further CHF 20 million as a supplementary credit.

From 2027, an additional CHF 9 million will be made available to licensed local radio stations and regional television stations. Furthermore, it will be possible for revenue from the radio and television fee to be used to fund general support measures. At its meeting on 4 November, the Federal Council brought the relevant amendments to the Radio and Television Act into force and adopted the corresponding provisions in the Radio and Television Ordinance.

At its meeting on 4 November, the Federal Council approved the 2027–2030 service agreement between the Confederation and the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR concerning journalistic services for audiences abroad. Despite reduced resources, it is possible to maintain a comprehensive, high-quality international service.

The Federal Council wants to increase transparency regarding genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge in patent applications. At its meeting on 4 November 2026, it adopted the dispatch on a treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. Switzerland has already had a corresponding disclosure requirement since 2008. This means that the Patents Act does not need to be amended.

From 9 November 2026, taxable persons will be able to deregister their business from VAT, create a new VAT group or edit an existing VAT group on the FTA portal. The new functions can be found on the FTA portal under ‘New transactions’. Businesses will benefit from clearly structured and user-friendly processes that reduce the administrative burden.

Opening address by FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel at the Global Dialogue on International Humanitarian Law in Geneva – Check against delivery.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia from 4 to 6 November 2026. The visits will focus on bilateral relations, European integration and the promotion of peace, stability and security in the Western Balkans. In his capacity as chairman-in-office of the OSCE, Mr Cassis will also visit the OSCE missions in Belgrade, Pristina and Skopje.