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06.12.2024 – Marc Lettau

Swiss sanctions decision sparks criticism

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Switzerland has more or less matched all of the European Union’s sanctions against Russia, not least to prevent itself from becoming a conduit for sanctions circumvention. The Federal Council made the first notable exception to this rule in October when it opted out of a measure requiring commodity traders to ensure that their foreign subsidiaries do not undermine the EU sanctions. The decision has sparked considerable criticism abroad, with the United States ambassador to Switzerland, Scott Miller, calling it “very disappointing” – which in itself shows that the Swiss policy of deciding on a case-by-case basis whether to adopt sanctions can have drawbacks. (MUL)

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Marianne Jenni succeeds David Grichting

When it comes to representing the interests of the Swiss Abroad and providing Swiss consular services around the world, responsibility within the Federal Administration lies with the Consular Directorate (CD). The Federal Council has appointed Marianne Jenni as the CD’s new director general. Jenni, currently serving as the Swiss ambassador to Ecuador, will start in her new post on 1 January 2025. She has previously worked in places including Paris, Lagos, Rome, London, Baghdad and Cape Town. Jenni succeeds David Grichting, who has headed the CD since April 2023 but is now taking on a new role within the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). (MUL)

Basel to host the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest

Since Swiss singer Nemo won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in the Swedish city of Malmö (see “Swiss Review” 4/2024), Switzerland has been locked in as the next ESC host. We now know that the 2025 competition will take place in Basel, watched by an expected worldwide audience of well over 100 million. Basel eventually got the nod ahead of Geneva. Berne and Zurich had also been in contention. None of the four bids enjoyed unanimous political support, due to moral concerns or the financial challenge of hosting the event. See also: www.revue.link/escbasel (MUL)

A mountain changes shape

There was a spectacular rockfall on the Grosses Tschingel-horn (2,849 m) this October, when some 100,000 m3 of debris broke off the side of the mountain, which is located on the border between the cantons of Glarus and Grisons. The summit ridge now looks very different. The event made headlines not least because this is one of the more photographed mountain silhouettes. Situated just below the summit ridge is a famous gap in the rock called Martinsloch. Twice a year, the rising sun shines through the Martinsloch opening for just a few minutes. People come from far and wide to witness the spectacle. (MUL)

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