Latest News from Switzerland
Geneva could ease requirements for air-conditioning for private homes
Authorities in the canton of Geneva are considering making access to air conditioning devices simpler, as the region, along with the rest of Switzerland, has been hit by a record-breaking heatwave.
REVEALED: The 'best municipality' in Switzerland to live in 2026
In real estate lingo, what counts most is ‘location, location, location.’ But in Switzerland, many other factors enter into play when choosing the best place to live, a new analysis reveals.
Do Switzerland's Minergie apartments keep residents cool during heatwaves?
If you have been looking for a 'cool' apartment in Switzerland, you may want to opt for ones with a ‘Minergie’ label. But can they really keep the heat out?
'Please have a referendum on AC': Your tips for coping with Switzerland’s heatwaves
With temperatures in some Swiss regions exceeding 35C this week we asked our readers how they manage to stay (relatively) cool in a severe heatwave in Switzerland.
Climate change to blame as heatwave hits Europe's economies
Human-caused climate change is "unequivocally" responsible for the intensity of a record-breaking heatwave scorching Europe, scientists said Friday, while experts consider the costs for an economy as productivity melts and growth becomes lethargic.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Friday
How labour market is ‘divided’ between EU nationals and Swiss; an 8-year-old brings a gun to school; plus other news in our roundup this Friday.
LATEST: More than 100 million Europeans suffer in temperatures above 35C
At least 101 million Europeans were expected to experience temperatures of over 35C on Thursday, in a punishing and increasingly deadly heatwave hotter than weather in parts of Africa.
Swiss government to impose new 250-franc fines for littering
Overall, Switzerland is a very clean country, and the government wants to keep it this way by introducing a national penalty for littering.
400 cubic metres of water per second: Melting Swiss glaciers face worst case scenario
Swiss glaciers have been melting at an alarming rate due to global warming for decades, and the most recent heatwave is accelerating this process.
Switzerland in talks with several countries for air defence system
Switzerland is negotiating with France, Israel and South Korea to acquire a long-range air defence system, amid lengthy delivery delays of US Patriot missiles.
The big issues for foreign residents on the Swiss political agenda this June
Though the far-right move to curb immigration from the EU was defeated at the ballot box and no longer dominates Swiss news, other measures targeting foreign residents are fuelling political debates.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday
The end to the heatwave in Switzerland could be in sight; littering fines of up to 250 francs to be introduced nationwide; and more news in our Thursday roundup.
OPINION: In Switzerland it's easier to get a work permit than an air conditioning permit
If you live in Switzerland, you know that installing something as simple as an AC unit in your home is a complex task. The Local's Helena Bachmann found that out the hard way. Share your own experiences in the comments below.
TELL US: Do you have any 'Swiss' tips to deal with the heatwave?
With Switzerland sweltering in a heatwave, The Local wants to hear from readers about how they deal with the soaring temperatures and any tips they have. Tell us in our quick survey.
'People are at risk': Europe urged to invest in healthcare as heatwaves intensify
The heatwave gripping Europe is putting people's health at risk, and the continent's leaders must invest in making their health services more climate-resilient, the WHO chief said Wednesday.
UPDATE: Switzerland under red level heatwave warnings across country
Swathes of Switzerland are still under red level danger warnings as the period extreme heat continued to bake the country.
How long will Switzerland's spell of extreme heat go on for?
With large parts of the country sweltering in near record temperatures, experts have forecast when they think Switzerland's extreme heat will finally end.
Why Europe is warming faster than the rest of the world
The latest heatwave sweeping across Europe is a stark reminder that it is the world's fastest-warming continent, stretching into an Arctic that is heating at an even greater pace
EXPLAINED: Which Swiss health insurance deductible makes most sense?
If you are a foreigner, understanding Switzerland’s health insurance system may not be easy. And figuring out which ‘out of pocket’ option you should choose can be a real brain twister.
Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday
Bid to protect tenants from abusive rents will go to the ballot box; plan to increase minimum health insurance gets broad support; and more news from Switzerland in our Wednesday roundup.
Would Europe take the UK back and how did Brexit hit the lives of Brits in Europe?
It's been 10 years since the Brexit referendum precipitated the Uk's acrimonious divorce fro EU. In our latest newsletter for Brits in Europe we look at whether the EU would have Britain back and how it's affected the lives of UK nationals in Europe.
How the heatwave has hit daily life in Switzerland
Unless you have been living in an igloo, you know that Switzerland has been in the throes of an oppressive heatwave. And its effects can be significant.
Basel immigration officer accused of wrongly refusing hundreds of permits
A department head in Switzerland's Office for Migration, Integration, and Citizenship in Basel-Country has been accused of illegally denying hundreds of EU citizens the right to reside in Switzerland, in many because they had previously committed minor criminal offences.