The Swiss economy, renowned for its competitiveness and innovation, faces unprecedented challenges as US-imposed tariffs of 39% on Swiss goods take a heavy toll. Despite Switzerland’s significant contributions to the US economy, including creating 400,000 jobs through investments, President Trump’s trade policies have left the Alpine nation grappling with economic setbacks. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter’s efforts to negotiate a reduction in tariffs have so far proven futile, leaving Swiss exporters in a precarious position. Approximately 17% of Swiss exports, valued at billions, are destined for the US market, making the tariffs a severe blow to key industries. While pharmaceuticals, Switzerland’s most lucrative export to the US, remain unaffected for now, the threat of a 100% tariff on imported medicines looms large. The medical technology sector, a global leader in precision engineering, is also at risk. Companies like MPS, which produce advanced medical devices, face immense pressure as the tariffs erode already slim profit margins. Swiss business leaders argue that the tariffs are not only unjustified but also counterproductive, potentially driving up costs for US patients and taxpayers. Despite the challenges, Switzerland is actively diversifying its trade partnerships, securing agreements with India, Mercosur, and China, while maintaining its strong ties with the EU. The long-term impact of the tariffs extends beyond economics, straining the historically robust business relations between Switzerland and the US. While Swiss entrepreneurs remain hopeful for a resolution, the current administration’s approach has left many disillusioned. As Switzerland navigates this trade storm, its resilience and adaptability will be put to the test.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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Belgian police detain 3 over a suspected plot to attack politicians with a drone
Belgian authorities have thwarted a suspected terrorist plot involving a drone carrying explosives, targeting prominent politicians including Prime Minister Bart De Wever. On Thursday, three individuals were detained following coordinated raids in Antwerp, led by an anti-terrorism judge and supported by explosives detection units. Federal prosecutors revealed that an improvised device, steel balls, and a 3D printer—believed to be used for constructing attack components—were discovered during the searches. Investigators indicated that the suspects intended to build a drone to deliver a payload, potentially inspired by jihadist ideologies. While the politicians targeted were not explicitly named, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed the plot’s focus on Prime Minister De Wever, describing the incident as ‘deeply shocking.’ The suspects, described as young adults born in 2001, 2002, and 2007, were questioned, with two set to appear before a judge and the third released. This incident underscores Belgium’s ongoing struggle with terrorism, particularly the misuse of drones, as highlighted by recent suspicious drone activity near a military base. The Belgian justice system, already strained by a surge in terrorism investigations and drug-related crime, has called for increased government support to bolster security measures. The 2016 Brussels bombings, which claimed 32 lives, remain a stark reminder of the nation’s vulnerability to terrorist threats.
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Eurovision has never been about politics, says BBC boss Tim Davie
The Eurovision Song Contest, renowned for its vibrant music and cultural celebration, is now embroiled in political controversy as debates intensify over Israel’s participation in the 2025 event. BBC Director General Tim Davie, addressing the UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, emphasized that Eurovision ‘has never been about politics’ and should remain a unifying platform for music and culture. However, concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza have prompted broadcasters from Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland, and Spain to threaten a boycott if Israel is allowed to compete. Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun echoed Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s earlier calls for Israel’s exclusion, citing accusations of genocide and imposing measures such as an arms embargo. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar countered, labeling Sánchez’s administration as antisemitic and criticizing its rhetoric. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees Eurovision, is set to make a final decision in December. The controversy mirrors the 2022 expulsion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, which the EBU justified as necessary to preserve the contest’s integrity. Meanwhile, Austria prepares to host next year’s event in Vienna, following Austrian singer JJ’s victory in 2024. Amidst the political tensions, Eurovision’s history of subtle political messaging continues, with past performances like Ukraine’s 2016 winning song ‘1944’ addressing historical injustices. As the EBU navigates this complex issue, the future of Eurovision as a non-political celebration hangs in the balance.
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Irish rock band Kodaline to split after more than a decade
Irish rock band Kodaline, renowned for their heartfelt hits such as ‘All I Want’ and ‘High Hopes,’ has announced their decision to part ways after more than a decade together. The group, originally formed in Dublin under the name 21 Demands, adopted their current moniker in 2012, marking a significant shift in their musical direction. Their debut album under the new name, ‘In A Perfect World,’ released in 2013, soared to number three in the UK and number one in Ireland, cementing their place in the music industry. The band, consisting of Steve Garrigan, Vincent May, Mark Prendergast, and Jason Boland, continued their success with subsequent albums, including ‘Coming Up For Air’ (2015), ‘Politics Of Living’ (2018), and ‘One Day At A Time’ (2020), all of which topped the Irish album charts. Throughout their career, Kodaline graced major stages, including Glastonbury’s The Other Stage and the Reading and Leeds Festival, captivating audiences worldwide. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, the band expressed their gratitude to fans, stating, ‘From busking on the streets of Dublin to playing shows across the world, it really has been the stuff that dreams are made of.’ They announced plans to record a fifth and final album before bidding farewell, aiming to end their journey on a high note. ‘We want it to end on a high, so before we say goodbye, we’re heading into the studio one last time to record our fifth and final album as Kodaline,’ they shared. The band emphasized their eternal gratitude for the love and support they received, adding, ‘It’s been a journey that we’ll never forget, and we hope the music stays with you long after we’re gone.’
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Man who appealed Pelicot rape conviction handed longer jail term
A court in Nîmes, southern France, has increased the prison sentence of Husamettin Dogan, the sole defendant who contested his conviction in a harrowing rape case involving Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old retired grandmother. Dogan, 44, saw his original nine-year sentence extended to 10 years after the court dismissed his appeal. The case, which has shocked the nation, involved Pelicot being drugged and raped by dozens of men recruited by her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, over a decade. Despite video evidence presented in court showing Dogan assaulting an unconscious Pelicot, he maintained his innocence, claiming he was unaware she had been drugged. The court, however, rejected his defense, reinforcing the gravity of the crime. Last December, Dogan and 50 other men were convicted of aggravated rape, with 17 initially appealing before withdrawing their challenges. Dogan, a Turkish-born married father, was the only one to pursue his appeal, leading to a retrial judged by a jury of nine public members and three professional judges. Prosecutors had sought a 12-year sentence for Dogan, who argued he was a victim of Dominique Pelicot’s manipulation. The case highlights the extensive abuse Pelicot endured and the role of video evidence in securing convictions. This story is developing, with further updates expected.
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Half a million bees killed in Dutch arson attack
A Dutch beekeeper, Harold Stringer, has expressed profound shock and sorrow after 10 of his beehives were deliberately set ablaze in Beatrixpark, Almere, resulting in the loss of approximately half a million bees. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, has left the local community and environmental advocates deeply concerned. Stringer, who has been tending to bees for nearly a decade, described the act as ‘horrific,’ emphasizing that each hive housed a colony of 40,000 to 60,000 bees. Police in Almere, a city located east of Amsterdam, have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses. They shared images of the fire on social media, highlighting the severity of the arson attack. Authorities revealed that an accelerant was used to ignite the hives, which were placed on pallets in a wooded area of the park. Sadly, almost none of the bees survived. Stringer expressed skepticism about the perpetrator being caught but vowed to rebuild his bee colony from scratch. Fellow beekeeper Heleen Nieman offered to donate one of her three bee colonies to support him. The incident underscores the broader crisis facing bees in the Netherlands, where over half of the country’s 360 bee species are at risk of extinction due to declining populations worldwide.
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EU chief von der Leyen easily survives two more no confidence votes
BRUSSELS (AP) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has once again weathered political storms, emerging unscathed from two no-confidence votes in the European Parliament on Thursday. The motions, initiated by far-right and far-left factions, were decisively rejected by a majority of lawmakers, solidifying von der Leyen’s position at the helm of the EU’s executive branch.
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Bella Culley case delay to ‘finalise plea bargain’
The legal proceedings against Bella Culley, a 19-year-old British woman who is six months pregnant, have been postponed to facilitate further discussions on a potential plea deal. Culley, from Billingham, Teesside, faces severe charges of drug smuggling in Georgia, which could result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years or life imprisonment if convicted. Her case was heard at Tbilisi City Court, where her defense attorney, Malkhaz Salakaia, indicated plans to seek a presidential pardon once the plea agreement is finalized. Judge Giorgi Gulashvili noted that both the prosecution and defense teams require additional time to determine the financial terms necessary for Culley’s release. Her family has reportedly raised a significant sum to reduce her potential jail time. The hearing was attended by Culley’s mother and grandmother, who have been actively involved in her defense. The case has been adjourned until October 28. Culley was initially reported missing in Thailand before being arrested at Tbilisi International Airport on May 10. Georgian authorities confiscated narcotics from her travel bag, including 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish. During a July hearing, Culley pleaded not guilty, claiming she was coerced into the act under duress. She emphasized her innocence, stating, ‘I just wanted to travel. I am a good person. I am a student at university. I am a clean person. I don’t do drugs.’ The case has drawn significant attention, with updates available on BBC Tees’ social media platforms.
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Have Russians set up a military base in my childhood home?
In a poignant reflection on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, satellite imagery has unveiled the stark transformation of Verkhnya Krynytsya, a small village in the Zaporizhzhia region. Once a serene and idyllic locale, the village now bears the scars of Russian occupation, with evidence suggesting that Russian soldiers have taken over abandoned homes, including that of BBC reporter Vitaly Shevchenko. The images, analyzed by BBC Verify, show a newly formed path leading to Shevchenko’s childhood home, first appearing in June 2022 and becoming more pronounced by January 2023. This path, used periodically, aligns with the movement patterns of Russian military personnel, who have reportedly occupied vacant properties in the area. The village, once a peaceful retreat near the Kakhovka reservoir, has been irrevocably altered by the war. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam in June 2023 further devastated the region, flooding homes and farmland. Locals, fearful of retribution, have largely fled or remain silent, leaving the village a ghostly shadow of its former self. The Ukrainian 128th Detached Heavy Mechanised Brigade confirmed the likelihood of Russian troops occupying the area, highlighting the grim reality of life on the front lines. As the war continues, Verkhnya Krynytsya stands as a microcosm of the broader devastation wrought by Russia’s invasion.
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Macron will nominate new French prime minister in 48 hours
In a dramatic turn of events, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stepped down on Monday, marking the third resignation of a prime minister in less than a year. The move comes amidst a deepening political crisis in France, characterized by a hung parliament and ideological divisions. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister within 48 hours, as the Elysee Palace seeks to quell speculation about the possibility of fresh elections. Lecornu, a close ally of Macron, was tasked with forming a consensus among political parties to navigate the current impasse. However, the path to forming a stable government remains fraught with challenges, as parties remain deeply divided over key issues such as the national budget and pension reforms. Lecornu emphasized the urgent need to pass a budget by year-end, warning that parties should not dismiss it without thorough examination. The political stalemate, which began after snap elections in July 2024, has hindered legislative progress and exacerbated France’s economic woes, including a national debt of €3.4 trillion, the third highest in the eurozone. As Macron remains silent following Lecornu’s resignation, the question of who will lead France out of this crisis looms large.