Swi Swissinfo

• Switzerland is deploying a specialized rescue team to Venezuela to assist in search and rescue operations following a devastating earthquake. • The team is scheduled to depart from Zurich Airport at 2:00 am on the night between Thursday and Friday, as confirmed by humanitarian aid delegate Dominik Stillhart. • Logistics are being coordinated with Caracas International Airport, where one runway remains operational to facilitate the arrival of international aid.

• The Swiss Federal Intelligence Service (SRC) has warned that the national security situation is deteriorating due to rising global instability. • The report highlights an increase in terrorism risks and hybrid threats originating from Russia, coinciding with profound upheavals in the international order. • This shift matters as multiplying crises and conflicts around Europe create a more volatile environment for Swiss security.

• The Swiss Federal Council announced its international cooperation strategy for 2029–2032, shifting focus toward humanitarian aid due to pressure on federal finances. • The strategy prioritizes emergency relief and systematic action in major crises, while the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) will manage relations with middle-income countries. • SECO's mandate includes fostering trade and investment conditions and overseeing cooperation with the European Union, the western Balkans, and specific Asian nations.

• The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) is facing scrutiny over its mandate to oversee and publish political financing and campaign spending transparency. • A study commissioned by the SFAO itself has called into question the effectiveness and validity of the current oversight process. • This development is critical because Swiss voters participate in frequent polls, making the transparency of party income essential for democratic integrity.