Latest News from Switzerland
Read the latest news and important information from Switzerland in English here at The Local.
Swiss nuclear plant fully back online after heatwaves
The Beznau nuclear power plant in Switzerland, which was shut down multiple times over the last two months due to summer heatwaves, is fully operational again, Swiss energy company Axpo said Friday.
Can foreign nationals move to live in a Swiss property they inherit?
If you happen to inherit a house or an apartment in Switzerland but are a foreigner who lives abroad, can you legally move there?
Do Swiss banks still accept American checks?
Americans living in Switzerland are reporting multiple problems dealing with Switzerland's financial institutions - from denial of services to hefty fees. Now some are not accepting checks issued in the United States.
Midterms: What Americans in Europe need to know about changes to mail-in voting
As Donald Trump's administration seeks to limit mail-in voting, overseas Americans have been left wondering what to expect for the upcoming midterm elections.
Quality of life: What are the best Swiss towns for families in 2026?
Generally speaking, the quality of life is good all over Switzerland, but as a new analysis reveals, some municipalities offer more than others.
What's the difference between Schengen and EU free movement rules?
With countries across Europe reintroducing police checks at internal borders with neighbouring states there has been renewed attention on how the borderless Schengen area works and how it's linked to the EU"s free movement principle.
Switzerland eyes drone battalion by 2028
Switzerland announced its intention to build a military drone battalion, amid a rearmament trend across Europe.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Friday
Swiss motorists are dumping their waste in Germany; unemployment among university graduates is rising sharply; plus more news in our roundup this Friday.
How are foreign children assigned to classrooms in Swiss schools?
Given that a significant number of students in Switzerland speak a foreign language, how are they being integrated into the country's public schools?
Switzerland to clarify rules for international property inheritance
Since January 1st, 2025, new rules apply to international successions. Given that they often involve real estate located in Switzerland being inherited by people abroad, the government will revise certain provisions.
What is Switzerland’s ‘integration contract’ and do all foreigners have to sign it?
If you want to settle in Switzerland, you will have to make every effort to integrate and, in some cases, even sign an official agreement to this effect.
EXPLAINED: What are the risks of glaciers collapsing in Switzerland?
As a Valais glacier is breaking off piece by piece, with debris hanging precariously over a town below, you may be wondering whether other Swiss glaciers could collapse as well.
As Iceland votes on the EU, which countries could be next to join?
Iceland will go to the polls on Sunday to decide whether to resume talks on EU membership. In case of a “yes” win, Iceland will become the 11th country aspiring to join the bloc. Claudia Delpero looks at the states queuing up to join the bloc.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday
Switzerland to set clear rules for the transfer of real estate in international inheritances; government will strengthen police presence on public transport; and more news in our news on Thursday.
Switzerland to introduce a new biometric ID card from November
The Swiss government has adopted the necessary legal framework for the introduction of a new biometric ID card in November.
Could Switzerland tighten rules around elderly drivers?
One Swiss lawmker is seeking to tighten the rules pertaining to elderly motorists driving on Swiss roads.
Swiss glacier near Zermatt under threat of imminent collapse
Switzerland’s Weisshorn glacier, located at an altitude of 4,505 metres near Zermatt in Valais, is breaking off piece by piece, which could fall down into the town below.
10 unmissable events in Switzerland in September 2026
From Alphorn concerts to wine growing festivals - here's the best of what Switzerland has to offer in September 2026.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday
Switzerland's Weisshorn Glacier is under the threat of collapse; Swiss households more financially secure than ever; and more news in our roundup on Wednesday.
'We're heading for catastrophe': The summer climate change hit Europe
For generations, summer in Europe has been languid and dreamy, bringing fine weather and lengthy days on sunny beaches and terraces. But in 2026, the brutal reality of climate change forced its way into daily life.
How can I stay in Switzerland after graduating from a Swiss university?
Tens of thousands of international students study at Swiss universities, but can they remain in the country once they finish?
Public warned to be aware of Switzerland’s 'cheap train tickets' scam
Depending on the distance your travel, Swiss public transport tickets can be expensive, so a possibility to pay less is appealing. And that is what scammers are counting on.
A Zurich-bound SWISS flight from the US makes an emergency landing
On the morning of Tuesday, August 25th, SWISS flight from Chicago to Zurich issued a distress signal over the Atlantic and landed safely on an Azore island off the coast of Portugal.