Switzerland to prioritise immigration and relations with the EU in 2026, and Swiss government’s plan to make the country less expensive for foreign tourists — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.
Switzerland’s priorities in 2026: Immigration and relations with the EU
This year, some hot-button issues will be particularly in focus in Switzerland, with their outcomes potentially re-shaping the direction that the country’s economy as well as domestic and foreign policies will take in the future.
They include moving toward the ratification of the new package of agreements with the European Union, the consequences of an upcoming referendum on capping immigration, and getting along with President Trump in order to protect the country’s export-oriented economy.
READ MORE: The big issues on Switzerland’s political agenda this year
Government plans to make Switzerland more affordable for foreign tourists
Many people visiting from abroad find Switzerland to be very expensive, especially compared to other countries.
But the Swiss government has a plan to change that.
Concretely, it wants to cut the 300-franc Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund threshold by half – from the current 300 francs to 150.
This means that foreign visitors will be able to get more value out of their money while shopping in Switzerland.
READ MORE: How Switzerland wants to make the country cheaper for foreign tourists
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US woman accuses Swiss of being hostile
An American resident of Switzerland has caused a storm after taking to social media to share how badly she is being treated in Switzerland by some of the locals.
But the reactions to her video have been mixed.
While many of the 15,600-plus commentators sympathise with her predicament, others suggested that perhaps she is treated this way because she has not tried to integrate or learn the language.
READ MORE: American resident blasts ‘hostility’ in Switzerland https://www.thelocal.ch
Basel doesn’t want to charge young people citizenship fees
Basel-Country could follow the example of its sister canton, Basel-City, in scrapping the fees for foreigners under the age of 25 who apply for Swiss citizenship.
This fee currently stands at 1,550 francs – the highest in Northwestern Switzerland – but a deputy from the Social Democratic Party, has filed a motion in the cantonal parliament, seeking to make the naturalisation process more affordable for young foreigners.
READ MORE: Swiss canton looks to scrap naturalisation fees for young people
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Swiss economy is regaining strength
Switzerland’s economy returned to growth, mainly thanks to its services sector after steep US tariffs stalled exports and pulled down GDP in the third quarter.
“The services sector saw slight growth while the industrial sector stagnated,” the Economy Ministry said, adding that “Exporters have been curtailed by the difficult international context.”
For 2025 as a whole, GDP growth reached 1.4 percent, up from 1.2 percent the previous year.
READ MORE: Swiss economy rebounds in fourth quarter after US tariffs hit
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‘Regional disparity’: How cantons determine their health insurance premiums
Each year, the cost of Switzerland’s obligatory health insurance goes up – more so in some cantons than in others.
According to experts, this phenomenon is due to a multitude of regional factors, including different health infrastructure and levels of government funding, demographics, as well as how sick the local population is – that is, how often residents of a given canton seek medical treatment.
READ MORE: Why do Swiss health insurance premiums vary so much among cantons in 2026?
