Council of the Swiss Abroad

What is the Council of the Swiss Abroad?

The CSA is the non-partisan political representation of the Swiss Abroad. Often described as the “parliament of the Fifth Switzerland,” it represents the interests of roughly 830,000 Swiss citizens living outside Switzerland.

Globally, the CSA consists of 140 delegates, including 20 members of the Swiss Parliament. The Council is currently chaired by Filippo Lombardi, former President of the Council of States (Ständerat), underscoring the CSA’s close connection to federal politics while remaining independent of party affiliation.

Representation in the United States

The United States is represented by eight delegates, covering approximately 83,000 Swiss citizens. The head of the U.S. delegation, David Moerker, also serves as Vice Chairman of the CSA, giving the U.S. a strong voice at the global level.

I am one of two delegates for the Atlanta Consular District, together with my colleague Olivier Brack in Texas. Our district spans 11 U.S. states, covering about 2 million square kilometers (386,000 square miles)—roughly 50 times the size of Switzerland. Within this vast territory live about 17,000 Swiss citizens, which works out to one Swiss per 118 square kilometers (46 square miles). Staying connected across such distances is a challenge, but it also makes our work essential.

A Fully Volunteer Mandate

The CSA mandate is 100% voluntary. Delegates serve four-year terms and meet three times per year—two meetings in person (in Switzerland) and one virtual session. There is no salary. Expense reimbursement is limited to CHF 400 per overseas trip and CHF 100 per meeting day, covering only a fraction of actual costs. In practice, delegates must often combine CSA duties with business or personal travel.

Direct Access and Practical Support

CSA delegates maintain direct contact with the Swiss Ambassador, Consul General, and Consulate, and engage with U.S. dignitaries—such as members of Congress, Senators, or Governors—when appropriate. We also work closely with AMCHAM, the Swiss American Chamber of Commerce, the honorary consul René Riedi in Miami, and Swiss Global Enterprise to support Swiss companies operating in the United States.

Key Issues for Swiss Abroad

The CSA addresses a wide range of topics that directly affect Swiss living overseas, including:

• The Law on the Swiss Abroad
• Voting rights and timely delivery of cantonal voting documents
• E-ID and the long-term goal of e-voting
• Passports and identity documents, with current renewal timelines stretching to 2027
• Swiss schools abroad and study opportunities in Switzerland
• Health insurance, which remains very limited for Swiss residents in the U.S.
• Swiss pensions, including efforts to eliminate the marriage penalty
• District-specific needs, currently being assessed through a questionnaire developed with the Consulate
• The updated S.–Swiss tariff agreement, negotiated under President Guy Parmellin and State Secretary Budliger, with tariffs reduced retroactively to 15% and effectively 7.5%

In addition, we encourage Swiss abroad to stay informed through tools such as the SWI Plus app and the Swiss Review, both of which provide reliable and relevant updates.

Why This Matters to Swiss Clubs

Swiss clubs are often the first point of contact for Swiss citizens abroad. The CSA depends on your engagement to understand local concerns and bring them to Bern. In return, we aim to ensure that your voices—your practical, lived experiences—are heard at the highest political level in Switzerland.

The Council of the Swiss Abroad exists for you. Staying connected strengthens our community and ensures that the Fifth Switzerland remains visible, respected, and politically relevant.

Respectfully, your delegate

Chris Stern,  +1 919 760 7606, chrisjbstern@gmail.com

https://www.swisscommunity.org/en/the-council-of-the-swiss-abroad