Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Friday
Find out what's going on today in Switzerland with The Local's short roundup of the news.
Covid pass to be unveiled this afternoon
The Federal Council is planning to present Switzerland’s immunity / Covid certificate at a meeting today and open a pilot phase. The first certificates could be distributed on June7th, but they can’t be used until July 1st
After a person received their shots, a vaccination centre will enter a confirmation on a special website, then receive in return a code with patient’s name. The person can then print out this tamper-proof QR code, or scan the app the smartphone.
Parliament to debate Swiss-EU relations
The two chambers of the parliament – the Council of State and National Council —will hold a debate on June 15th to address urgent questions concerning the future of research programmes, as well as education and training projects that are part of bilateral treaties between Switzerland and the European Union.
MPs, along with various political parties and other groups want to know how the Federal Council, which called off negotiations with the EU on May 26th, is planning to ensure a stable and reliable relationship with the bloc.
READ MORE: EXPLAINED: Why did Switzerland call off EU talks and what are the consequences?
‘Sharing Saturday’ will take place in Geneva and Lausanne
The charitable initiative which encourages supermarket customers to purchase and donate food for the poor, will be held in Geneva and Lausanne on June 5th.
The aim of this action is to collect essential goods for the benefit of people living in precarious financial circumstances.
At the entrance of participating supermarkets, volunteers offer tote bags to clients to fill with non-perishable food and hygiene items.
All the collected merchandise will be distributed free of charge to local associations and social services based on their needs. The organisers of the event are counting "on the solidarity and generosity of all citizens”, orgnisers said.
Drivers of noisy cars will be penalised
Owners of cars and motorcycles that are deemed too loud will receive higher fines, Swiss MPs decided.
Higher fines will be given to owners of unlawfully modified and other very loud vehicles, deputies said, while also examining the possibility of withdrawing the driving license, prohibiting particularly noisy cars from driving on certain roads, and even confiscating the vehicle altogether.
Airplane pilots to be subjected to random alcohol tests
The National Council approved a measure for better control of alcoholism and other addictions among pilots.
As a result of the new measure it will become possible to perform random alcohol tests on the tarmac; currently, they are carried out only if there is a suspicion.
The revision of the law on aviation will allow Switzerland to adapt to European rules, revised following the accident of a Germanwings company plane in 2015. The pilot, on antidepressants, had crashed the aircraft in the French Alps.
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local please get in touch with us at [email protected]
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Covid pass to be unveiled this afternoon
The Federal Council is planning to present Switzerland’s immunity / Covid certificate at a meeting today and open a pilot phase. The first certificates could be distributed on June7th, but they can’t be used until July 1st
After a person received their shots, a vaccination centre will enter a confirmation on a special website, then receive in return a code with patient’s name. The person can then print out this tamper-proof QR code, or scan the app the smartphone.
Parliament to debate Swiss-EU relations
The two chambers of the parliament – the Council of State and National Council —will hold a debate on June 15th to address urgent questions concerning the future of research programmes, as well as education and training projects that are part of bilateral treaties between Switzerland and the European Union.
MPs, along with various political parties and other groups want to know how the Federal Council, which called off negotiations with the EU on May 26th, is planning to ensure a stable and reliable relationship with the bloc.
READ MORE: EXPLAINED: Why did Switzerland call off EU talks and what are the consequences?
‘Sharing Saturday’ will take place in Geneva and Lausanne
The charitable initiative which encourages supermarket customers to purchase and donate food for the poor, will be held in Geneva and Lausanne on June 5th.
The aim of this action is to collect essential goods for the benefit of people living in precarious financial circumstances.
At the entrance of participating supermarkets, volunteers offer tote bags to clients to fill with non-perishable food and hygiene items.
All the collected merchandise will be distributed free of charge to local associations and social services based on their needs. The organisers of the event are counting "on the solidarity and generosity of all citizens”, orgnisers said.
Drivers of noisy cars will be penalised
Owners of cars and motorcycles that are deemed too loud will receive higher fines, Swiss MPs decided.
Higher fines will be given to owners of unlawfully modified and other very loud vehicles, deputies said, while also examining the possibility of withdrawing the driving license, prohibiting particularly noisy cars from driving on certain roads, and even confiscating the vehicle altogether.
Airplane pilots to be subjected to random alcohol tests
The National Council approved a measure for better control of alcoholism and other addictions among pilots.
As a result of the new measure it will become possible to perform random alcohol tests on the tarmac; currently, they are carried out only if there is a suspicion.
The revision of the law on aviation will allow Switzerland to adapt to European rules, revised following the accident of a Germanwings company plane in 2015. The pilot, on antidepressants, had crashed the aircraft in the French Alps.
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local please get in touch with us at [email protected]
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