Scorching weather ahead
If you think the last few days have been extremely hot, the worst (or the best, depending on your preferences) is yet to come.
Starting today, a “heat peak” will hit Switzerland, with temperatures reaching 37 degrees in some regions.
The official meteorological service MeteoSwiss defines a heat wave as an average daily temperature of 25 degrees or more for at least three days in a row, which is classified as “Alert Level 3”.
This is expected to happen in Switzerland from Saturday noon to Monday evening.
Screenshot MeteoSwiss
READ MORE : How this week’s heatwave will hit Switzerland and how to stay cool
MPs seek to define Swiss neutrality
The Council of States has adopted a motion requesting an official clarification of the legal limits of Swiss neutrality.
The report should cover particularly the limits of neutrality law as related to arms deliveries, NATO membership and cooperation with this organisation, as well as sanctions against other nations.
"Since Russia's attack on Ukraine, questions about [Switzerland’s] neutrality have been raised", said Swiss president Ignazio Cassis.
“Our neutrality is not a fixed construction. We must constantly adapt it to reality”, he added.
READ MORE: OPINION: Switzerland’s neutrality not immune to impacts of Ukraine invasion
Switzerland second in the world in terms of competitiveness
The new World Competitiveness Ranking has placed Switzerland in the second place, just behind Denmark, for its competitiveness.
The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne based its assessment on 333 criteria, such as economic performance, business efficiency, public finance, tax policy, and others.
While Switzerland slipped in ranking this year (it held the top position in 2021), the country is ranked number 1 in government efficiency and overall infrastructure, including health and environment, as well as education.
EU publishes a list of banned airlines
On Thursday the European Commission has updated the list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban or restrictions in the European Union, including in Switzerland.
Most of them are from Africa, Asia and South America, with several Russian airlines also included on the list.
The Swiss Travel Federation (FSV) said that if an agency books a flight with one of the airlines appearing on list at the request of the customer, the client must complete and sign the liability exemption form.
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 news@thelocal.ch
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