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Bilateral agreements – the SVP says no, everyone else says yes

Probably the biggest domestic political issue at present is whether Switzerland should approve its new bilateral agreements with the European Union (EU) after years of frayed relations with Brussels (see “Swiss Review” 2/2025). All of the major political parties have now stated their position on the 1,800-page package of treaties. The picture seems clear at first glance: the SVP is the only party categorically against the agreements, saying that it will oppose ratification. The SP, FDP, Centre, Greens and GLP endorse the deal – referred to as “Bilaterals III” – in principle but would also like some adjustments here and there. The electorate will have the last say, but a voting date has yet to be finalised.

(MUL)

Three municipalities buy up their winter sports infrastructure to deter foreign investors

With US investors starting to buy up and rebrand Swiss ski resorts, three Grisons municipalities – Flims, Laax and Falera – have banded together to purchase the winter sports infrastructure of Weisse Arena Bergbahnen AG at a cost of over 90 million francs. Voters in the three villages emphatically approved the deal, which aims to safeguard local jobs and secure the ski resort’s future.

(MUL)

Low winter snowfall, high summer temperatures – Swiss glaciers continue to melt at speed

Glacial melt in the Swiss Alps was dramatic once again in 2025. A lack of winter snow combined with heatwaves in June and August resulted in a three per cent loss in glacier volume – the fourth-biggest decline since records began. There is now a quarter less glacial ice than there was ten years ago (see also “Swiss Review” 3/2025). The Glacier Monitoring in Switzerland network and the Swiss Commission for Cryosphere Observation presented the findings in October.

(MUL)

Switzerland is currently home to 100,000 recognised refugees – despite a low number of asylum applications

Two important facts to note: the number of Swiss asylum applications has noticeably declined since 2024, but the number of recognised refugees in Switzerland remains consistently high at over 100,000. This does not include the 70,000 or so Ukrainians who are afforded special status (“protection status S”). Switzerland’s overstretched asylum system is a particular challenge for the federal government, with cantons under pressure calling for solutions and an easing of the situation on the ground.

(MUL)