Federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans receive Baden-Württemberg Minister-President
Bern, 16.04.2026 — Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, and Federal Councillor Beat Jans, the head of the FDJP, met with Baden-Württemberg Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann in Bern on Thursday 16 April. During the meeting, the delegations praised the excellent relations between Switzerland and the neighbouring German Federal State. Mr Cassis welcomed the closer cooperation in the fields of education, research and innovation (ERI).
The discussion between Mr Cassis and Mr Kretschmann centred on the geopolitical challenges, Switzerland’s relations with the EU, economic ties with Baden-Württemberg, and enhanced ERI cooperation. The core agenda included in particular the Federal Council's recent dispatch to Parliament regarding the stabilisation and continuous development of Switzerland-EU relations (Bilaterals III). Both sides emphasised that, given the tense geopolitical situation, reliable relations with neighbouring countries are of central importance.The meeting between Mr Jans and Mr Kretschmann focused on the need for close relations with Baden-Württemberg, relations between Switzerland and the EU, cross-border security issues and ways to strengthen civic political participation.
Baden-Württemberg and Switzerland have long been strongly linked, and their cultural and historical ties are stronger than those between Switzerland and any other German Federal State. In addition, the state is by far Switzerland’s most important trading partner in Germany.
The meeting marked the departure of Mr Kretschmann as the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg. Over the past 15 years, Mr Kretschmann has made a major contribution to developing the many facets of his province's relations with Switzerland. Mr Cassis and Mr Jans thanked him for his valuable work and are looking forward to working with the future government in Stuttgart.