A delegation from the National Council's Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC-N), led by its president, National Councillor Laurent Wehrli, visited London and Dublin from 1 to 5 September 2025 as part of the committee's annual fact-finding trip. In London, the delegation focused on bilateral relations, relations with the European Union, the global geopolitical situation and international scientific cooperation. In Dublin, the delegation also focused on bilateral relations, transatlantic relations and current geopolitical issues, in particular the war in Ukraine and the dramatic situation in Gaza. It also explored various aspects of Swiss and Irish neutrality, as well as issues relating to international trade and global trade policy.

United Kingd​​om

The FAC-N delegation took advantage of its stay in London to strengthen its ties with the British Parliament. It held talks with members of the European Affairs Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The delegation paid particular attention to bilateral relations between the two countries, especially in the economic and political spheres. It also discussed in depth issues related to the relations that our two countries maintain with the European Union, focusing in particular on the economic and financial issues related to Brexit. With its counterparts, the delegation also discussed the current geopolitical situation – notably the war in Ukraine and the dramatic situation in Gaza – as well as transatlantic relations.

In addition, the delegation placed particular emphasis on the theme of international scientific cooperation during a visit to Imperial College London. It met with the college's president, Hugh Brady, and exchanged views with Swiss professors, researchers and students, particularly on Switzerland's participation in Horizon Europe.

Finally, the delegation exchanged views with representatives of the business community and Swiss companies based in the United Kingdom on international trade issues and the economic aspects of Brexit.

Irelan​​d

In Dublin, the delegation met with members of the Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee, the European Affairs Committee and the Parliamentary Group for Switzerland. The discussion focused mainly on bilateral and multilateral cooperation, relations with the European Union, transatlantic relations and current geopolitical challenges, in particular the war in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza. The delegation also addressed environmental issues and related challenges, as well as migration and integration issues.

A discussion with members of the Institute of International and European Affairs focused mainly on changing perspectives on security and neutrality. The latter topic in particular allowed the delegation to take a differentiated approach to the role of neutral countries in today's complex and volatile geopolitical context.

Finally, during an exchange with representatives from the business world, the delegation discussed the different perspectives on current international economic relations, particularly in view of global tariff and trade policy.

Each year, the Foreign Affairs Committees organise an overseas study visit. This year’s delegation, led by FAC-N president Laurent Wehrli (FDP/VD), comprised 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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