Summary
The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) invites media professionals to a background briefing. The focus is on US trade and tariff policy and its effects on Switzerland. Additionally, the new unemployment insurance payout system (ASAL 2.0) will be presented. The SECO management team will provide insights and be available for questions.
Persons
- Helene Budliger Artieda (State Secretary, SECO Director)
- Ivo Germann (Head of Foreign Economic Affairs)
- Jérome Cosandey (Head of Labor Directorate)
Topics
- US trade policy and tariff measures
- Effects on Swiss economy
- ASAL 2.0 – new unemployment insurance system
- Location promotion and economic policy
Clarus Lead
SECO is holding a media lunch on March 3, 2026 to discuss key economic policy issues. The main focus is on US trade policy and its consequences for Switzerland as well as the introduction of the reformed payout system ASAL 2.0. State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda heads the management team, which will provide comprehensive background information.
Detailed Summary
The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs is organizing an exclusive background briefing for media professionals. The event takes place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 11:30 to 13:30 at the SECO building in Bern (Holzikofenweg 36, Conference Room HO36-2.U06). The event addresses two priority topics: current US trade and tariff policy and its direct effects on the Swiss economy as well as the implementation of the new unemployment insurance payout system ASAL 2.0.
The management team presents itself with five heads of various departments: In addition to State Secretary Budliger Artieda, Ivo Germann (Foreign Economic Affairs), Martin Saladin (Location Promotion), Jérome Cosandey (Labor), Ronald Indergand (Economic Policy) and Thomas Marthaler (Resources) are present. The format is designed as a background briefing in off-the-record format; individual interviews are not planned. Registration is required by Monday, March 2, 2026, 11:00 AM at [email protected]. The number of participants is limited (one representative per media outlet, "first come, first served" basis).
Key Messages
- SECO holds media lunch on US trade policy and its Swiss effects
- New unemployment insurance system ASAL 2.0 will be presented
- Exclusive background briefing with five SECO management heads
- Registration required; limited number of participants
- Off-the-record format without individual interviews
Critical Questions
Evidence: What concrete data and scenarios on US trade policy will be presented, and on what analyses are the impact forecasts for Switzerland based?
Conflicts of Interest: To what extent do SECO's statements reflect critical or alternative perspectives on US tariff policy, or does the presentation focus on the official government position?
Causality: Are alternative explanations for economic changes considered, or is US policy presented as the sole cause?
Feasibility: What concrete measures is Switzerland planning in response to US trade policy, and how realistic are the implementation timelines for ASAL 2.0?
Sources
Primary Source: Press Release: Media Lunch with SECO Management Team – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/yvO5YFkbQvVM5QXM1o2-7
Verification Status: ✓ February 26, 2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: February 26, 2026