Switzerland could finally see the end of single use plastic bags.
Although use has dropped significantly as cantons have brought in some controls, retailers have their own restrictions and people are aware of the pollution effect – there are still a significant number being used every day.
Parliament will be voting today to bring in a national ban on single use bags.
Compared to the rest of Europe, Switzerland is performing badly. According to the environmental group, Ocean Care, Switzerland produces three times more plastic waste per person than the average EU citizen.
The EU has gone further – since the summer all single use plastic has been banned, such as cutlery and plates.
The federal government is opposed to national rules on that – preferring the cantons to take the responsibility.
The Council of States has rejected a popular initiative that would have let foreigners apply for citizenship after just five years, closing the parliamentary door on the biggest attempt in years to loosen one of Europe's strictest naturalisation regimes
The canton of Geneva is set to become the sole owner of the land beneath Stade de Genève, buying out a parcel held by federal railways CFF for CHF 15.84 million
The Swiss National Bank has kept its key interest rate at zero, sticking with a policy that has held since June 2025 even as oil-driven inflation ticks higher