Federal President Keller-Sutter and French President Macron discuss European and geopolitical issues
Bern, 01.07.2025 — On Tuesday, 1 July, Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter was received by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on bilateral relations, cooperation in Europe, European competitiveness and geopolitical challenges.
Ms Keller-Sutter emphasised the close cooperation with France at bilateral, European and international level. The discussions also addressed the next G7 summit, which France will host in Evian on Lake Geneva from 14 to 16 June 2026, and cooperation between security agencies in this context.
In addition, the two presidents discussed several of the many current crisis hotspots, including the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East and Iran. Ms Keller-Sutter reaffirmed Switzerland’s readiness to offer its good offices and to engage in the search for peaceful solutions.
Economic and trade policy
The economic outlook was also discussed, with both sides focusing on European initiatives to boost competitiveness and facilitate trade flows. With regard to US tariff policy, Switzerland’s stated aim is to achieve a permanent lifting of the ‘reciprocal’ additional tariffs introduced on 2 April, as well as other supplementary tariffs. President Macron undertook to advocate for Switzerland to be exempted from any EU trade policy measures taken in response to US measures. On Switzerland’s European policy, Ms Keller-Sutter outlined the next steps in the process of stabilising and further developing the country’s bilateral approach with the EU. President Macron acknowledged the progress in relations between Switzerland and the EU, and assured Switzerland of his full support in the ongoing process.
Both leaders praised the excellent bilateral relations between Switzerland and France, which were recently strengthened by Mr Macron’s state visit in 2023. The meeting also covered ongoing negotiations concerning the transboundary River Doubs, as well as agreements on the regulation of Lake Geneva and the Rhône, which are due to be signed in late summer.
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