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Trade and investments

Political article

Still not a cent returned

The foundation set up in Geneva in September to manage USD 3.5 billion from the Afghan Central Bank is playing it safe – by doing nothing. Switzerland seems to endorse the American position.

Article as analysis

Switzerland must withdraw from the Energy Charter

The Energy Charter Treaty protects companies that invest in fossil fuels. A growing number of countries are withdrawing from it, while Switzerland continues to thwart the energy transition.

Article as analysis

Still room for improvement despite progress

At first glance, the new Investment Protection Agreement between Switzerland and Indonesia paves the way for regulations in the public interest. It does however contain provisions that could thwart this prospect.

Article as analysis

Russia: sanctions under scrutiny

The sanctions against Russia are deemed the only possible non-military way of bringing about an end to the war. Yet they raise many questions. What is their purpose? And how effective are they?

Article as analysis

«There will be more conflicts»

China is challenging Western values and will change globalization, says Prof. Patrick Ziltener. The new world power’s overarching goal comprises domestic stability and a world order in which China can continue its rise. Interview by Andreas Missbach.

Switzerland blocks the COVID-19 waiver

The WTO is heading for a major political failure in its response to the coronavirus pandemic. As its 12th Ministerial Conference opens the day after tomorrow in Geneva, member states are unable to agree.

Political article

Schweiz bedroht das Recht auf Nahrung

In its free trade agreements with developing countries, Switzerland insists that they accede to UPOV 91, a convention that privatises seeds. This is at odds with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasant families, accepted by Switzerland.

Political article

Glencore sues Colombia over Cerrejón Mine

No sooner had the announcement on giving up fossil fuels been made, than Switzerland's Glencore International became the sole owner of Latin America's biggest open pit coal mine. It is even taking the Colombian State to court.

Political article

WTO: Switzerland can breathe easily – for now

Despite the postponement of the WTO Ministerial Conference, Switzerland is finding itself increasingly isolated in its opposition to the waiver of patent protection on Covid vaccines. The WTO General Council could and should decide quickly.