News

Main assembly of the first F-35A aircraft destined for Switzerland has begun in the USA. The Swiss F-35 programme is thus reaching a further important milestone on the way to delivery of the first aircraft from mid-2027.

On 28 May 2026, the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) published the FM broadcasting frequency packages. Interested radio stations may submit an application for a broadcasting licence by 31 July 2026. If several radio stations apply for the same frequency, an auction will be held.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can save lives. At least mouse lives. Empa researchers have developed an AI-supported computer model of a mouse body that uses machine learning to predict how different nanomaterials are distributed in the mouse organism. In line with the ‘Safe and Sustainable by Design’ principle, the model will not only serve as a decision-making aid in drug development, but also reduce animal testing.

The third call for proposals aimed at supporting reconstruction in Ukraine involving the Swiss private sector was launched today. The focus is on investment projects aimed at constructing facilities for long-term production and/or operations in Ukraine. The federal government is providing up to CHF 50 million to co-finance the projects.

At its meeting on 27 May 2026, the Federal Council approved a CHF 2.7 million increase in the federal contribution to the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products Swissmedic for 2027. The Federal Council has made the increase contingent on the full implementation of the measures approved by the Agency Council last November to improve results. At the same time, the Federal Council approved the revision of the Swissmedic Fees Ordinance. This includes the introduction of a registration fee for medical devices.

In the 1st quarter 2026, total employment (excluding agriculture) in Switzerland rose by 0.5% compared with the same quarter of the previous year (seasonally adjusted, +0.4% over previous quarter). Enterprises reported 5.0% more job vacancies than a year earlier. Difficulties recruiting skilled workers have eased compared with the previous quarter and the employment outlook is positive. These are some of the latest findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Polish President Karol Nawrocki, accompanied by his wife Marta Nawrocka, began a two-day state visit to Switzerland on Wednesday, 27 May. He was received by the Federal Council with military honours in Parliament Square to mark the start of his visit. The delegations then discussed how to further strengthen the already excellent bilateral relations. They also addressed issues relating to economic development and security in Europe.

On 27 May, the Federal Council appointed Professor Martin Ackermann to a second term as director of the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag). The four-year term will run from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2030.

Check against delivery

The Federal Council adopted a reform package to strengthen Swiss maritime shipping at its meeting on 27 May 2026. The measures aim to make the Swiss flag more attractive at sea and to simplify the registration of vessels. The bill is part of the comprehensive revision of maritime legislation under the Federal Council's maritime strategy and its ‘package to boost the Swiss economy's competitiveness’.

On 27 May 2026, the Federal Council decided to extend country-specific exemptions under Swiss export control legislation on trade in military equipment to include all EU and EFTA states. The annexes to three federal ordinances will be amended accordingly. As of 1 July, states added to the lists will benefit from the same concessions as those already applicable to most EU member states and to Norway.

Telecommunications infrastructure and the telecommunications services offered via such infrastructure are to be better protected against cyberthreats. The Federal Council is proposing various amendments to telecommunications legislation. It launched the relevant consultation proceedings on 27 May 2026.