Long Traffic Jams Build Early at Switzerland’s Gotthard Tunnel.

Heavy traffic congestion has already formed at the northern entrance of the Gotthard Road Tunnel as holiday and transit traffic intensifies across Switzerland.

According to the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS), a queue measuring approximately 9 kilometres had developed at the north portal by 7:20am on Thursday morning.

Motorists faced waiting times exceeding 90 minutes before entering the tunnel. Traffic authorities reported that the line of vehicles was divided into several sections between Erstfeld and Göschenen.

Drivers heading south were advised to use the alternative route via the A13 motorway and the San Bernardino Tunnel to avoid severe delays.

Traffic pressure at the Gotthard route has remained high in recent days. On Wednesday afternoon, authorities had already recorded a traffic jam stretching around 10 kilometres at the same location.

The Gotthard corridor is one of Europe’s most important north-south transit routes, particularly during holiday periods and long weekends, often leading to significant congestion at tunnel access points.

Swiss traffic authorities continue to monitor the situation and recommend that travelers check live traffic updates before beginning their journeys.

Swiss Court Convicts Businessman for Supplying Sensitive Goods to Russia

Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court has sentenced a businessman to a suspended prison term after finding him guilty of illegally supplying sensitive materials to Russia in violation of Swiss export control laws.

The court handed the man a 16-month suspended prison sentence for multiple offences under the Swiss Goods Control Act, including attempted illegal exports linked to materials allegedly intended for a programme involving weapons of mass destruction.

According to prosecutors, the businessman worked for a company that distributes laboratory equipment, medical products, and pharmaceutical materials. Over a period of four years, he supplied and offered to supply goods to two individuals connected to the Russian trade mission in Bern.

Investigators stated that products worth around CHF75,000 were successfully exported to Russia, while additional offers totaling approximately CHF934,000 were proposed but never completed due to intervention by Swiss authorities in 2024.

The case highlights Switzerland’s strict regulations on dual-use goods and sensitive technologies that could potentially support military or prohibited weapons programmes.

Swiss authorities have intensified monitoring of exports linked to Russia in recent years, particularly following international sanctions and heightened geopolitical tensions.

The ruling underscores the country’s commitment to enforcing international non-proliferation rules and preventing the transfer of controlled materials that could threaten global security.

Swiss Population Cap Could Cost Billions, Study Warns

Switzerland could face significant long-term economic losses if the proposed “No to ten million” population cap initiative is approved, according to a new study published by the Swiss migration authorities ahead of the upcoming federal referendum.

The report, released by the government’s migration office, concludes that restricting immigration would provide only limited relief to housing pressure, while generating substantial financial costs for the economy and public finances.

While the study acknowledges that limiting population growth could slightly ease overcrowding in certain urban areas and the housing market, it states that these benefits would be far smaller than the broader economic consequences.

The analysis warns that Switzerland’s pension system would be severely affected, with the state pension fund potentially losing several billion francs annually over the coming decades due to a shrinking workforce.

It also projects a decline in tax revenues, noting that public income would fall more sharply than government spending reductions. As a result, the share of healthcare and social costs relative to national income would increase compared to a scenario without population limits.

The report further states that savings in social assistance and supplementary benefits would not be sufficient to compensate for reduced tax income. This imbalance could eventually lead to higher taxes for residents, particularly impacting the working-age population.

The initiative, which proposes limiting Switzerland’s population growth to around ten million people, has sparked strong political debate, especially regarding its impact on economic stability, labour shortages, and public services.

The study concludes that while migration control may offer short-term relief in specific sectors, the long-term fiscal impact could be significantly negative for the Swiss economy.

SWISS Airline to Resume Tel Aviv Flights in July After Suspension

SWISS International Air Lines has announced that it will resume flights between Switzerland and Tel Aviv in July, following a suspension that began in March due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The airline stated that it is currently carrying out operational preparations to restart the route, including crew scheduling, aircraft allocation, and coordination with internal and external partners. SWISS also confirmed that it is engaging in discussions with its social partners to ensure a smooth restart of operations.

Several airlines within the Lufthansa Group have already planned to resume Tel Aviv services from June, but SWISS has chosen a later restart date in July to ensure full operational readiness.

The suspension of flights was originally introduced in response to security concerns linked to the war in the Middle East. SWISS said passenger safety remains its top priority when adjusting flight schedules.

In addition to the Tel Aviv update, the airline confirmed extended suspensions on other routes. Flights to Dubai will remain suspended until September 13, 2026, while services to Beirut will stay suspended until October 24, 2026.

SWISS continues to adjust its international network based on geopolitical developments and operational feasibility. The airline said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and update schedules if conditions change.

The decision reflects the ongoing impact of regional instability on global aviation routes, particularly in the Middle East, where several airlines have modified or temporarily suspended operations.

Swiss Nuclear Power Plants Could Operate Up to 80 Years, New Study Finds

Switzerland is reconsidering the long-term future of its nuclear energy sector after a new government-commissioned study found that two major nuclear power plants could safely operate for up to 80 years.

The report focuses on the Gösgen Nuclear Power Plant and the Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant, which were previously assumed to have economically viable lifespans of around 60 years.

According to the findings, extending their operational life by an additional 20 years is both technically feasible and largely economically viable, provided that necessary safety upgrades and maintenance investments are carried out.

The study was commissioned following a parliamentary request and has renewed debate about Switzerland’s long-term energy strategy, especially as the country continues to balance climate goals with energy security concerns.

The report suggests that the required modernization investments would likely be justified by continued electricity production, and it states that direct financial support from the government may not be necessary for long-term operation.

Energy industry leaders have supported the findings. Thomas Sieber stated that extending nuclear plant lifespans to 80 years appears technically realistic under proper maintenance and upgrades.

The discussion comes at a time when Switzerland is also reviewing its broader nuclear policy, including debates about whether to lift restrictions on building new nuclear power plants. Rising energy demand, climate change pressures, and geopolitical instability have all contributed to renewed interest in nuclear power across Europe.

If implemented, the extended operation of these plants could play a significant role in ensuring Switzerland’s electricity supply stability in the coming decades.

Bern Police Launch ‘Super-Recogniser’ Pilot Project to Identify Criminals.

Bern Cantonal Police is launching a pilot project that uses officers with exceptional face-recognition abilities, known as “super-recognisers,” to support criminal investigations.

The initiative follows internal testing within the police force, where around 30 officers were identified as having above-average facial recognition skills. According to a police spokesperson, roughly 10% of participants in the screening demonstrated these enhanced abilities.

Super-recognisers have the rare capacity to accurately remember and identify faces even after brief or indirect encounters. Authorities say this capability can significantly assist in locating violent offenders and improving public safety operations.

The project development was already underway when the Canton of Bern parliament approved a motion from the Centre Party in March calling for the use of super-recognisers to strengthen policing capabilities.

Officials noted that recent public order challenges, including escalated demonstrations in the canton last October, contributed to political support for the initiative.

The Bern Cantonal Police confirmed that detailed planning for the pilot is now complete and implementation is scheduled for the summer. Officers selected for the program will be deployed to support investigations where facial identification is critical.

The pilot reflects a broader trend in European policing strategies that combine human cognitive skills with modern investigative methods to improve identification accuracy and response times.

Authorities will evaluate the effectiveness of the program after its initial rollout before deciding whether to expand it across the canton.

Former Official Remains Silent in Crans-Montana Fire Investigation

The investigation into the deadly fire at the Crans-Montana nightclub continues as a former municipal official has refused to answer questions from prosecutors, citing lack of access to the case file.

The fire, which broke out at the “Le Constellation” bar on New Year’s Eve, killed 41 people and injured more than 100 others, making it one of the most serious fire disasters in modern Swiss history.

Former public official Jean-Claude Savoy, who served as president of the municipality of Chermignon from 2009 to 2016, appeared before investigators at the Energypolis campus in Sion. However, he chose to remain silent during questioning.

According to his lawyer, Bryan Pitteloud, Savoy did not respond to questions because he had not yet been granted access to the investigation files. The lawyer stated that his client intends to fully cooperate once he has reviewed the evidence.

Prosecutors from the public investigation team, along with multiple legal representatives, are examining potential administrative and regulatory responsibilities linked to the operation of the venue.

Records show that in 2015, while serving in office, Savoy co-signed an operating permit for the Le Constellation establishment following renovation works commissioned by its manager.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the fire, focusing on safety compliance, permitting decisions, and emergency response procedures.

The case remains under active judicial review as officials seek to determine accountability for the tragedy.

Switzerland Patriot System Costs May Double Amid Delays.

Switzerland is facing significantly higher costs and delays in its planned procurement of the US-made Patriot air defence system, according to reports from Swiss media outlets Tamedia and CHMedia.

The system, originally ordered for around CHF 2.3 billion, may now cost up to 50% more or even double, according to estimates cited by officials. A spokesperson from the Federal Office for Armaments (armasuisse) confirmed that expected additional costs are currently in the range of “50% plus,” although they did not confirm a full price doubling.

The Patriot system, developed by Raytheon, is a key component of Switzerland’s planned long-range air defence capability. However, its delivery timeline has been significantly disrupted.

Officials report that deliveries have already been delayed by several years due to global supply chain pressures and increased demand linked to the war in Ukraine. Media reports suggest that ongoing conflicts, including tensions in Iran, could cause further delays in production and deployment schedules.

Following the latest developments, the Swiss government has confirmed that procurement timelines will be pushed back by five to seven years, while overall costs are expected to rise substantially.

In April, the Swiss government decided to temporarily halt payments for the system. The Federal Council also stated that it has not ruled out cancelling the purchase entirely and instead considering alternative missile defence systems from European suppliers.

The government is expected to review options and make a final decision on the future of the project later this summer, as Switzerland reassesses its long-term air defence strategy.

Switzerland Joins Rhine Transport Network.

The agreement was finalized through the signing of the European Corridor Management Agreement (ECMA) by Port of Switzerland (SRH) during a meeting of the European River Information Services (EuRIS) in Basel.

The EuRIS platform provides real-time shipping information including traffic conditions, waiting times, route disruptions, and navigation updates. Swiss authorities say the move will improve coordination and logistics efficiency across the Rhine corridor.

With Switzerland’s participation, all sections of the Rhine River are now integrated into the European system, creating more complete cross-border transport monitoring for commercial shipping operators.

Swiss waterway data is expected to become available on the platform in the coming months. The EuRIS system was launched in 2022 and currently connects over 29,500 kilometres of European waterways across 13 countries.

Switzerland’s three Rhine ports with direct access to the sea are located in Basel, Birsfelden, and Muttenz. These ports play a major role in the country’s freight transport infrastructure.

According to the SRH, around 80 port companies rely on the Rhine ports to manage goods transport by rail and road, as well as storage and logistics operations.

In addition to infrastructure management, Swiss Rhine authorities are responsible for overseeing navigation safety and ensuring compliance with both national and international shipping regulations.

The agreement highlights Switzerland’s growing integration into European transport coordination systems and reinforces the importance of the Rhine as a strategic trade route for the continent.

Rare Watch Auction in Geneva Breaks Records with CHF33 Million in Sales

A luxury watch auction in Geneva has set a new sales record after collectors spent more than CHF33 million on rare timepieces during a major event organised by Christie’s.

The “Rare Watches” auction achieved total sales of CHF33,054,441, marking the highest amount ever generated by Christie’s for a multi-owner watch auction. The event also recorded a remarkable 99% sale rate per lot, with average final prices reaching 188% above their minimum estimates.

One of the standout pieces was the highly sought-after Cartier Crash London watch from 1990, which sold for CHF1,585,000 — more than triple its initial estimate and a new world record for the model.

The most expensive item of the auction was the extremely rare F.P. Journe Platinum Tourbillon Souverain Ref. T, which sold for CHF2,439,000. Originally introduced at Baselworld in 1999, the watch attracted intense interest from international collectors.

Another major highlight included the Patek Philippe Tiffany Blue Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018, which sold for CHF1,270,000. A rare Patek Philippe Ref. 3970EP-047 previously owned by American entertainment executive Michael Steven Ovitz also exceeded expectations, reaching CHF1,016,000.

According to Christie’s, the auction attracted strong international participation. Buyers from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa accounted for 44% of sales, while Asia-Pacific represented 19% and the United States 28%. Around 30% of participants were new customers to Christie’s auctions.

Remi Guillemin said the results demonstrate continued confidence in the global luxury watch market and growing demand for rare collector timepieces.

The auction also recorded strong performances for brands such as Audemars Piguet, A. Lange & Söhne, Daniel Roth, and Krayon, reflecting broad interest across the premium watch industry.