The Federal Council, Switzerland's executive body, was notified of the cuts to international cooperation on Wednesday. As a result, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) will end its bilateral development programmes with Albania, Bangladesh and Zambia by the end of 2028.

Switzerland’s commitment to humanitarian aid, peacebuilding efforts, and support for Ukraine will remain unaffected by the cuts.

Italian Navy patrol vessel Cassiopea early on Tuesday reached the Albanian port of Shengjin with 49 migrants rescued over the weekend in international waters south of the Sicilian island of Lampedusa.

In what comes as a double blow to Bangladesh, the Swiss government also decided to cut foreign aid to Dhaka following Trump's action to halt support for the South Asian country. The decision will also impact two other countries—Albania and Zambia.

Dozens of migrants arrived in Albania early on Tuesday, days after Italy resumed the transfer of asylum seekers to its maritime neighbour in a controversial programme that is under judicial review.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s first attempt to have asylum seekers held for assessment overseas was immediately blocked by judges. Now another is underway.

Tuesday's boat was the first to arrive in Albania following a monthslong pause. The European Court of Justice is set to review the scheme in February.

These reductions will affect bilateral, economic, and thematic cooperation, as well as multilateral organisations

New legislation passed in January requires Italian appeals courts to approve the detention of asylum seekers rather than special immigration services.

Switzerland has joined the United States in reevaluating its foreign aid investments, announcing an end to development programs in three nations. ・The Swiss government will reduce funding for foreign aid,

Almost 37,000 people crossed the English Channel in small boats in 2024. The government has announced measures to tackle people smuggling, including a new criminal offence of endangering the lives of others at sea. As of 29 January, 1,098 people had crossed the Channel since the start of 2025.