Global trends, such as trade policy instability and a growing tendency for deregulation among principal trading partners, are impacting Switzerland’s attractiveness as a business location. During its private meeting on 20 August 2025, the Federal Council thoroughly examined the implications of these changes for the competitiveness of the Swiss economy. According to a recently published press release, the primary objective of the Federal Council is to enhance the overall regulatory environment for all companies and to reduce the regulatory burden.

Thus, the Federal Council presented plans of 28 measures across various fields of regulation to reduce the burden on companies. The measures encompass administrative relief concerning value-added tax, withholding tax, and stamp duty; simplifications for electricity-intensive companies regarding the reimbursement of network surcharges and electricity reserve expenses; and concessions related to working time permits and the registration of short-time work. The Federal Council stated that it has acknowledged the necessity for intervention in several domains, including data protection, family allowances, and the toy industry, and has resolved to undertake a comprehensive study to develop relief measures. According to the Federal Council, initiatives in digitisation would present significant potential; yet, they would necessitate appropriate investment from the public sector. A summary of the measures is available as attachment to the press release.

Certain actions entail slight modifications; but, together, they impact a substantial number of enterprises and are expected to result in a significant decrease in administrative burdens. Thus, the Federal Council has instructed the departments to execute the pertinent tasks based on the level of implementation (law, ordinance, audit requirement), adhering to the required phases and schedules. The Federal Council has declared that it would provide a report on the advancement of the individual initiatives in autumn 2026.