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Over 2 million people and more than 1 million vehicles cross the Swiss border every day. As it is not possible to monitor all movements with the resources available, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) carries out customs and border checks using a risk-based approach. Risk analysis helps the FOCBS to carry out the limited number of checks in a targeted and efficient manner. Since 2019, it has been centralised within the newly created Risk Analysis and Analytics Directorate (RAA DT) in Bern. This directorate will be disbanded on 1 May 2026, and the individual organisational units will be transferred to other directorates according to their functions. The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) examined whether the risk analysis is effective and supports the FOCBS’s self-imposed objective of becoming a data-driven agency. It concluded that the risk analyses continue to rely too heavily on individual experts' knowledge and not enough on data. The FOCBS should use the forthcoming reorganisation to systematically address shortcomings in impact measurement, organisational structure and role distribution.

Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of Switzerland Global Enterprise’s International Business Day 2026 - Check against delivery.

Switzerland is to provide the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) with an additional CHF 4 million in aid for the evacuation and subsequent support of civilians affected by the war in Ukraine. The funds will mainly benefit people forced to leave their homes close to the front line due to the ongoing Russian attacks.

Bern, 9 November 2026 – From 9 November 2026, Swiss SMEs as well as Swiss and foreign transport companies that do not use commercial customs clearance software will be able to create transport declarations for commercial goods traffic free of charge using the “Declar” web application available in the ePortal. To use the application, registration as a commercial partner of the FOCBS with the role “Transport” is required.

Of those holding a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training, 38% went on to obtain a tertiary-level qualification in the following 12 years. These results vary greatly according to the field of study in which the federal VET diploma is obtained as well as the characteristics of the enterprise and socioeconomic factors. In particular, the share of those obtaining a tertiary qualification exceeds 50% if at least one parent holds such a qualification themselves, but falls to just 27% if neither parent holds a post-compulsory qualification. These are the main findings of a new publication from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Between 4 and 6 November 2026, the OSCE chairman-in-office, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, visited the OSCE missions in Belgrade, Pristina and Skopje. There, he met with the heads of mission and staff to gain an insight into their work on the ground and to reaffirm the OSCE’s commitment to the region.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visited Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia from 4 to 6 November 2026. The trip focused on bilateral relations, economic perspectives and the promotion of peace, stability and security in the Western Balkans. In his capacity as chairman-in-office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Mr Cassis also visited the OSCE missions in Belgrade, Pristina and Skopje.

On Thursday 12 November, President Guy Parmelin will attend the ninth summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in Dublin. He will also represent Switzerland as host of the tenth EPC summit, which will be held in Zurich in April 2027.

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.

The protocol of amendment to the double taxation agreement (DTA) between Switzerland and North Macedonia has entered into force. The changes will apply from 1 January 2027.

The protocol of amendment to the double taxation agreement (DTA) between Switzerland and Croatia has entered into force. The changes will apply from 1 January 2027.

In 2024, growth among Swiss SMEs slowed. The SME workforce grew at half the rate of that of large enterprises. SMEs nevertheless remain of crucial importance to the economy, providing over 3.2 million jobs, and the share of women in these jobs continues to rise. The majority of SMEs are independently owned. However, when they form part of a group – particularly a multinational one – they demonstrate greater momentum and play a key role in international trade. These are some of the findings from the publication Portrait of Swiss SMEs by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).