Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER
The EAER is where the federal government’s expertise on economic affairs and trade policy is concentrated. You can follow our strategy for employment, growth and prosperity in Switzerland and for securing sustainable development. Furthermore, the EAER combines education, research and innovation – three areas that are crucial for our society and for Switzerland’s economic performance.
News
Press releases
Switzerland at 2025 IMF and World Bank Group Spring Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington
President Karin Keller-Sutter and Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Washington from 23 to 25 April 2025. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will also take place during the Spring Meetings. The Swiss delegation, which also includes representatives of the Swiss National Bank, will additionally use the event for bilateral talks.
Consumer sentiment higher than a year ago
In March 2025 the consumer sentiment index stood at –35 points. This is 3 points higher than in March 2024. The following sub-indices were higher than in March 2024: past financial situation, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases. The following sub-index is lower than a year ago: economic outlook.
SECO: Ordinance on measures against Belarus
On 10 April 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 13 of the Ordinance on measures against Belarus. 25 individuals and seven entities have been modified. The measures come into force on 11 April 2025.
Switzerland–EU: Federal Council approves EU Programmes Agreement
At its meeting on 9 April 2025, the Federal Council approved the EU Programmes Agreement (EUPA) along with the associated protocols on education, research, innovation and health. It also authorised Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to sign the agreement. Signature of the EUPA will enable Swiss association in Horizon Europe, the Euratom programme and the Digital Europe Programme to be applied retroactively from 1 January 2025. The agreement will come into effect following ratification of the Switzerland-EU package
Innovative wood-based materials - Alpine craftsmanship inspires new materials
Traditional shingle production has inspired researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich to develop new types of wood-based panels made from split wooden sticks. Thanks to an AI-optimized process, these panels should be suitable for load-bearing components in the future – even if produced from lower-quality wood and tree trunks.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to travel to Slovenia
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will travel to Slovenia on 11 April for a one-day bilateral visit. The programme includes talks with the prime minister and the minister for economic affairs, visits to Swiss companies and discussions with the business community. Mr Parmelin will also sign the bilateral implementation agreement relating to Switzerland's second contribution to Slovenia.