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April 2019 
Dear Swiss in Oceania,

Delegates from all over the world met last month in the Swiss Capital Bern for the Meeting of the Council of the Swiss Abroad. Amongst the political issues discussed were the framework agreement with the European Union, the increasing opposition against e-voting and the ongoing efforts to improve the Swiss bank situation. Some themes are new, some recurring. Amongst the latter it's been one step forward and two steps back with e-voting due to security concerns. No doubt the voting and election process needs to be secure - further discussions will show what's required for e-voting to become, respectively remain a viable option.

You will find a summary of the meeting and other topics below. Happy Reading!
 
On behalf of the CSA Oceania Team,
Carmen Trochsler

When your delegates meet in Switzerland - CSA Spring Meeting 

The Council of the Swiss Abroad (CSA), met for its biannual meeting at the town hall in Berne on 23 March 2019. The meeting followed on an informal exchange with Swiss parliamentarians. A presentation about the Swiss Old Age insurance by representatives from the ‘Zentrale Ausgleichsstelle’ (ZAS) provided helpful information about common AHV questions. A report of the meeting  is available on our website. A short movie made by the Organisation of the Swiss report can be viewed here. 

Pictured below Australian Delegates Beat Knoblauch, Katja Wallimann Gates and Carmen Trochsler with Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs representative, Simone Flubacher. 
'Xpatbanking' with BCGE - A year later

It has been a bit over a year since the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad has entered into a partnership with the Cantonal Bank of Geneva. Difficulties of Swiss Residents in Australia to establish a relationship with the bank have been addressed. 

Please note that a pre-arranged meeting in person (no walk in's) is necessary either at a Geneva branch or the one in Zurich (5min from Central Station). Contact details see below. 
To set up a meeting please contact Relationship Manager Stephan.Vayanos@bcge.ch . He will also be able to tell you what documents are required. 
The bank's package of financial solutions for expatriates is called “Xpatbanking”.Terms and Conditions apply (German, French, English). 
Swiss old age insurance - Apply and receive your Swiss Pension 2 or 3 years earlier?

In Switzerland, women receive the AHV (OASI = Old Age and Survivor’s Insurance) pension from the age of 64 and men from the age of 65. You may withdraw your pension 1 or 2 years ahead of time - with the consequence of a reduced pension for the rest of your life. Food for thought specifically for New Zealanders or people with a reduced life expectancy due to illness in an article by Peter Ehrler, Council of the Swiss Abroad Member of New Zealand - Read here.
Young Swiss Citizens abroad - you are important!

About 162,000 Swiss citizens under the age of 18 live abroad. In 2017 alone, almost 8,000 young Swiss nationals reached the age of majority abroad.The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs has launched a new website for young Swiss abroad. You will find a great short video, an info flyer and helpful links to topics like education and training in Switzerland.
 
Many thanks to the staff at the Consular Directorate in Berne
for their work and support of the Young Swiss Abroad!
Image: Maud Rion
...Charlie Chaplin, Château de Chillon, and Wine...
See you in Montreux on 16 -18 August 2019!

Once a year in August, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) organises the Congress for Swiss citizen living all around the world. The event has become popular for all those, who are interested in the international mobility of the "Fifth Switzerland". 

Every year a different region of Switzerland hosts the congress. This year the congress will be held in Montreux. Up to 400 participants from around the world are expected. There will be speeches and information about current news and topics in Switzerland and it's a great opportunity to talk about your own experiences and get to know compatriots and interesting personalities from Swiss economy and politics. Thanks to a varied social program including sightseeing and excursions across the host region (think of Château de Chillon, Chaplin Museum, the terraced vineyards of the UNESCO region Lavaux), the participation in this event promises a unique experience.

During the Congress, all speeches and sessions are held in German or French.

More information and registration on the website of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad.
Travelling to Switzerland? Exhibitions and Events for Swiss Abroad in 2019.
  • 18 July – 11 August 2019: Fête De Vignerons, Vevey. Recognized by UNESCO on its list of intangible cultural heritage. Brings generations together, connecting people from the villages, the countryside and the vineyards, locals and foreigners, and offers each one the opportunity to go beyond himself, to transcend and collectively participate in a show unique in the world.
The faces behind CSA Oceania
www.csa-oceania.org/About
Roland Isler
(AUS)
Email
Katja Walliman Gates
(AUS)
Email
Beat Knoblauch
(AUS)
Email
Peter Ehrler
(NZ)
Email
Carmen Trochsler
(AUS)
Email
Peter Canziani
(NZ)
Email
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Copyright © 2019 CSA Oceania Delegates, All rights reserved.


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CSA Oceania · Organisation of the Swiss Abroad · Council of the Swiss Abroad, Oceania 5000 · Australia

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