Daily brief
Switzerland expects to purchase 30 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, with the government set to ask parliament for final approval. The estimated total cost for the aircraft has risen by over 600 million francs to 6.35 billion francs. The defense ministry stated the increase is due to inflation and a stronger US dollar.
The Swiss government has banned the use of pyrotechnics such as fireworks and flares in public areas, citing safety risks and the burden on emergency services.
Switzerland will review the purchase of a second ground-based air defense system, with a report on options expected by the end of the year (ongoing coverage).
A French prosecutor and officials visited Bern for talks with Swiss authorities, with the details of the discussions not disclosed.
Hungarian authorities have stopped a cash and gold transport from Austria to Ukraine, with a government official linking the operation to money laundering.