The National Council's Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC-N) will send a delegation to London and Dublin from 1–5 September as part of its annual fact-finding mission. Led by committee president Laurent Wehrli, this year's visit takes place in Europe and will focus primarily on maintaining Switzerland’s strong relations with both the UK and Ireland. The discussions will centre on external economic policy, European policy and geopolitics.

United Kingd​om

Switzerland and the United Kingdom have long enjoyed close relations built on shared values: the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, economic and social stability, and democratic governance. In the wake of Brexit, both countries moved swiftly to establish new frameworks under Switzerland’s ‘Mind the gap’ strategy, which took effect in January 2021. The partnership has flourished since then, with new agreements in financial services and scientific collaboration. The delegation will use the visit to strengthen these ties while addressing key challenges: Brexit's continuing impact on economic and financial landscapes, shifting geopolitical dynamics, evolving UK–EU relations, and transatlantic developments. Swiss parliamentarians will meet their Westminster counterparts, engage with Swiss businesses operating in the UK, and hold discussions with university leaders and civil society groups.

Irel​and

Switzerland's relationship with Ireland is equally strong and has gained particular momentum this year, as demonstrated when Irish Parliament Speaker Verona Murphy visited Switzerland on St Patrick’s Day (17 March) for discussions with National Council president Maja Riniker, followed by an official visit to Dublin by the president of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, in late May. The FAC-N delegation's visit builds on these high-level exchanges. In Ireland, the Swiss parliamentarians will examine current geopolitical challenges, focusing particularly on security policy, neutrality, development cooperation, multilateral engagement and trade relations. Their programme includes discussions with Irish parliamentary colleagues, academic experts and business leaders.

Each year, the Foreign Affairs Committees organise an overseas study visit. This year’s delegation, led by FAC-N president Laurent Wehrli (FDP/VD), comprises National Council members Sibel Arslan (FAC-N vice president, Green Party/BS), Christine Bulliard-Marbach (The Centre/FR), Farah Rumy (SP/SO), Monika Rüegger (SVP/OW), Martin Haab (SVP/ZH), Piero Marchesi (SVP/TI) and Eric Nussbaumer (SP/BL).

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