Signals, in order.

On 2 September 2026 the Federal Council elected environmental scientist Tobias Walser to the ETH Board as a delegate of the university assemblies of ETH Zurich and EPFL. Walser, who has been managing director of the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich since 2022, will take office on 1 September 2026 and succeeds Kristin Becker van Slooten. He earned his PhD in 2012 in risk assessment of nanomaterials and has been involved in strategic initiatives at the intersection of technology, regulation and practice.

Source: Swiss Federal Government

The Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) has opened a tender for the auction of mobile radio frequencies that will become available on 1 January 2029, with the auction scheduled for the second quarter of 2027. The frequencies—800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2600 MHz—are essential for mobile networks, and the licences will be technology‑neutral and valid for 15 years. The auction aims to maintain high‑quality mobile services, foster competition, and generate auction revenue.

Source: Swiss Federal Government

On 3 and 4 September 2026, Switzerland hosted an OSCE conference in Bern under its chairpersonship, themed ‘From Geneva to Helsinki: founding process and core purpose of the OSCE’. The event, organised with the Dodis research centre and supported by the FDFA, featured senior OSCE representatives, political and academic figures, and a high‑level segment at the University of Bern where Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis spoke and a panel discussion on the OSCE’s spirit was chaired by Daniel Möckli. The conference is the third of four international conferences in Switzerland focusing on the imple…

Source: Swiss Federal Government

In the economy as a whole, the overall wage gap between women and men fell to 15.7% in 2024, down from 16.2% in 2022, according to a detailed report based on the 2024 Swiss Earnings Structure Survey (ESS) conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). The press release was issued in Neuchâtel on 31 August 2026.

Source: Swiss Federal Government

Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider will attend a meeting of gender equality ministers from German-speaking countries in Vaduz on 31 August 2026. The gathering focuses on gender equality challenges in the digital age, including anti-feminist tendencies, and brings together representatives from Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Austria and Switzerland. Switzerland will discuss its Gender Equality Strategy 2030, prevention of gender-specific violence, and the impact of digital transformation, with a particular emphasis on how artificial intelligence may exacerbate discrimination.

Source: Swiss Federal Government

Switzerland’s gross domestic product grew by 1.6% in 2025 at previous‑year prices, up from 1.5% in 2024, driven by strong domestic demand (+2.5%) and investment (+3.5%). Gross national income rose 2.5% at current prices, and the Federal Statistical Office revised 2024 GDP growth to 1.5% from an initial 1.4%.

Source: Swiss Federal Government

EPFL’s original buildings (1969‑1984) and surrounding areas were classified as historical monuments. An agreement between EPFL, Vaud Canton, and the ETH Board will preserve the 20th‑century architecture while allowing the campus to adapt and renovate for future needs. The agreement balances heritage protection with flexibility for research, teaching, and innovation.

Source: EPFL News

On 19 August 2026, the Swiss Federal Council adopted measures from the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia, effective 20 August. The new measures expand Switzerland’s sanctions list, impose service bans on Russian LNG tankers and terminals, activate an anti‑circumvention tool, and prohibit the use of Russian crypto‑asset platforms. They also extend export bans on military and industrial goods and protect Swiss companies from Russian court rulings and grants.

Source: Swiss Federal Government

The Federal Council extended protection status S for Ukrainian refugees until 4 March 2028 and will continue Programme S until that date. New applications from 20 August will be limited to individuals complying with military obligations, aligning Swiss practice with EU restrictions. The extension also maintains support measures and clarifies future residence status after five years.

Source: Swiss Federal Government

The Swiss Federal Audit Office examined the Federal Office for the Environment’s handling of the third Rhone correction, the country’s largest flood protection project. The audit found that the FOEN has actively supervised the project and reduced financial risks to the Confederation since 2022 by suspending payments for pre‑funded services. While three of four past recommendations were implemented, the recommendation on subsidy refunds was not fulfilled.

Source: Swiss Federal Government