Winter meeting of the Council of the Swiss Abroad

On 27 November 2021, the newly constituted Council of the Swiss Abroad met online and discussed key topics such as the exercising of political rights and the banking issues.

Following its reconstitution and the election of the new president in August 2021, the Council of the Swiss Abroad met online for its winter meeting. The first part of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the current and future positioning as well as opportunities and chances of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, SwissCommunity.

One important question started a discussion: How can the exercising of political rights of the Swiss Abroad be simplified? SwissCommunity is committed to the specific needs of Swiss nationals living abroad and develops possible measures for better meeting these needs. In the round of discussions, Michele Malizia from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Barbara Schüpbach-Guggenbühl from the Cantonal Directors’ Conference and the Martin Maeglin from the Swiss postal service will express their viewpoints.
The aim is to work with the stakeholders involved to determine an efficient procedure and to take viable steps towards simplifying political participation.

Furthermore, SwissCommunity also tackles the many differences and obstacles in the field of banking. SwissCommunity is also aware of and represents the requirements of the Swiss Abroad in relation to this topic and is familiar with the various challenges. The Council of the Swiss Abroad discusses the topic with representatives from the banking sector and is focused on developing efficient and fair solutions.

The agenda for the meeting on 27 November 2021 can be viewed on our website in German or French.