https://feeds.thelocal.com/ Read the latest news and views from Switzerland in English en-us news@thelocal.com (TheLocal) webmaster@thelocal.com (TheLocal) TheLocal RSS Feed In Switzerland, barbecuing in the great outdoors is a must in the summer. But what does Swiss law say about grilling while enjoying the nature? Here’s what you need to know. https://www.thelocal.ch/20230612/reader-question-can-i-have-a-barbecue-in-a-swiss-park-or-forest Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:48:11 +0200 reader-question-can-i-have-a-barbecue-in-a-swiss-park-or-forest In an upcoming national referendum, voters will decide whether to drastically limit the influx of foreigners into Switzerland. Doing so would increase how fast the country is aging. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260428/how-immigration-keeps-switzerland-young Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:24:24 +0200 how-immigration-keeps-switzerland-young MPs say 'no' to shorter wait for Swiss citizenship and more companies in Switzerland continue to cut jobs — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260501/six-big-news-stories-from-switzerland-you-need-to-catch-up-on-this-week-41 Fri, 01 May 2026 15:49:52 +0200 six-big-news-stories-from-switzerland-you-need-to-catch-up-on-this-week-41 During a special session held on April 30th, MPs turned down a proposal to halve the wait time before a non-EU foreigner can apply for citizenship. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260126/swiss-mps-reject-plan-to-shorten-wait-period-for-citizenship Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:31:44 +0100 swiss-mps-reject-plan-to-shorten-wait-period-for-citizenship From Labour Day rallies to new air and rail travel options - there are some big changes and events to know about in Switzerland in May 2026. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260417/everything-that-changes-in-switzerland-in-may-2026 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:28:06 +0200 everything-that-changes-in-switzerland-in-may-2026 Switzerland has several different types of work permits. Which one you are eligible to obtain depends on various factors. https://www.thelocal.ch/20231108/who-determines-what-kind-of-swiss-work-permit-you-receive Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:59:56 +0100 who-determines-what-kind-of-swiss-work-permit-you-receive As jet fuel prices continue to soar – including for Switzerland’s airlines – spending summer holidays abroad in 2026 will become quite a bit more expensive. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260430/how-much-more-will-you-spend-on-your-airline-tickets-in-switzerland-this-summer Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:05:22 +0200 how-much-more-will-you-spend-on-your-airline-tickets-in-switzerland-this-summer Residents of Switzerland spend almost 15 billion francs a year on online purchases from companies abroad. Products may seem cheaper but, as one lawmaker points out, this merchandise may not be safe to use. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260430/can-switzerland-make-shopping-on-foreign-platforms-safer-for-consumers Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:41:11 +0200 can-switzerland-make-shopping-on-foreign-platforms-safer-for-consumers Two Lucerne companies have this week joined the long list of Switzerland-based firms that are cutting their workforce. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260429/further-job-cuts-are-underway-in-switzerland Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:00:57 +0200 further-job-cuts-are-underway-in-switzerland The cost of living in Switzerland is higher - sometimes by much - than in many other European countries. But what is the situation with taxes? https://www.thelocal.ch/20260428/do-residents-of-switzerland-pay-more-or-less-taxes-than-their-neighbours Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:11:32 +0200 do-residents-of-switzerland-pay-more-or-less-taxes-than-their-neighbours After standardising chargers for mobile phones, from Tuesday new computers sold in EU countries must also use the USB-C charging point, as the latest phase of EU anti-waste legislation comes into force. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260428/eu-anti-waste-law-new-laptops-sold-in-europe-must-now-use-usb-c-chargers Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:16:33 +0200 eu-anti-waste-law-new-laptops-sold-in-europe-must-now-use-usb-c-chargers Several proposals and changes are currently underway in Switzerland that could impact the lives of foreign nationals next year or beyond if they are implemented. https://www.thelocal.ch/20251120/what-immigration-changes-await-foreigners-in-switzerland-in-2026-and-beyond Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:33:40 +0100 what-immigration-changes-await-foreigners-in-switzerland-in-2026-and-beyond As June 14th, the date for Switzerland's ‘No to 10 million’ referendum, approaches more opponents of the initiative are coming forward, warning of the dire consequences this measure would have on the country. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260312/who-is-leading-the-fight-in-switzerland-against-the-anti-immigration-proposal Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:02:11 +0100 who-is-leading-the-fight-in-switzerland-against-the-anti-immigration-proposal Regardless of whether you leave your employment voluntarily or not, your company in Switzerland is obligated to provide you with certain documents and sometimes also financial compensation. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260427/what-are-employees-in-switzerland-entitled-to-when-leaving-a-job Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:38:51 +0200 what-are-employees-in-switzerland-entitled-to-when-leaving-a-job As the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) initiative to limit immigration is gaining momentum before the June 14th national referendum, it is worth remembering that efforts in Switzerland to curb the influx of foreigners are nothing new. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260427/past-bids-to-cut-immigration-in-switzerland-failed-at-the-polls Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:26:03 +0200 past-bids-to-cut-immigration-in-switzerland-failed-at-the-polls There are a number of ads on the internet from law firms offering their assistance in obtaining a work permit, or even citizenship, in Switzerland. Do you really need a legal specialist to help you do that? https://www.thelocal.ch/20231025/do-you-need-a-lawyer-to-help-get-a-swiss-work-permit-or-citizenship Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:37:59 +0200 do-you-need-a-lawyer-to-help-get-a-swiss-work-permit-or-citizenship The populations of certain countries in Europe are expected to grow by 2100, but there will be a big drop on average across Europe, new predictions reveal. So which countries will see a population growth? https://www.thelocal.ch/20260425/revealed-the-countries-in-europe-that-will-buck-the-trend-and-grow-in-population Sat, 25 Apr 2026 11:32:03 +0200 revealed-the-countries-in-europe-that-will-buck-the-trend-and-grow-in-population If you own a flat (or want to buy one) in a building in Switzerland that is managed by a homeowners’ association, there are certain duties and responsibilities you will have. Here’s what you should know. https://www.thelocal.ch/20251022/what-are-my-communal-obligations-as-an-apartment-owner-in-switzerland Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:55:54 +0200 what-are-my-communal-obligations-as-an-apartment-owner-in-switzerland There are some great one day hikes within easy reach of the Swiss city of Geneva but some are easier than others, writes Monty Pierce Jones. https://www.thelocal.ch/20240411/the-seven-best-hikes-around-geneva Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:32:24 +0200 the-seven-best-hikes-around-geneva US president criticises Switzerland yet again, and Swiss police warn of disastrous effects of the anti-immigration proposal — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260424/six-big-news-stories-from-switzerland-you-need-to-catch-up-on-this-week-40 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:13:49 +0200 six-big-news-stories-from-switzerland-you-need-to-catch-up-on-this-week-40