From a major referendum to a new night train between Switzerland and three European cities, these are the changes you can expect in June 2026.
June 1st: ‘Mobility Initiative’ is implemented in Zurich
From this date, the initiative, approved by 57 percent of voters, will go into effect.
It gives the cantonal government authority over what speed limits should be set on motorways and main roads on its territory.
A 30 km/h speed limit would only apply in exceptional cases.
June 1st to 19th: Summer session of the parliament
Both chambers of the parliament will convene to discuss some issues on their agenda.
Among them are debates on whether to ban family reunifications for foreigners married in Switzerland by proxy, ending lax military service requirements for French-Swiss dual nationals; as well as ways to ease the debt burden of individuals and households.
June 14th: Referendum
On this day, Swiss voters will cast their ballots (and authorities will count ballots sent in by mail) on two national initiatives.
In one, voters will decide whether to accept or reject the Swiss People’s Party ‘No to 10 million’ bid to cap immigration in order to prevent population growth.
READ MORE: What exactly does the Swiss ‘no to 10 million’ anti-immigration proposal aim to do?
The second issue, a proposed amendment to the Civilian Service Act, seeks to make this alternative to the military service less attractive by tightening conditions for joining the service.
READ MORE: The ‘other’ issue Swiss will vote on in the June referendum
Several cantonal referendums will also be held on this day as well.
Basel-City citizens will decide whether their taxes should in the future be deducted directly from wages, or should the present system (which is in place in other cantons as well) of paying taxes once a year remain in place.
Geneva voters will have their say on whether to expand Sunday shop opening hours, while in Vaud, they will decide on whether to introduce a 23-franc-per-hour minimum wage.
In Zurich three issues related to rents and home ownership will be on the ballot, along with one seeking to adjust tax deduction for health insurance premiums every two years to reflect changes in rates.
READ MORE: What’s at stake in Swiss cantonal referendums in June?
June 14th: Feminist strike
As in years past, women in Switzerland will take to the streets on this day to highlight the gender bias that is widespread in the country, especially regarding work, wages, as well as childcare options and conditions.
This annual event began in 2017, with women in various countries, including Switzerland, rallying for equal pay, as well as other gender and trans-gender rights.
June 15th to 17th: G7 summit
Though the summit will be held in Evian, France, it will also impact Geneva, located only 45 km away.
As French activists are planning protests and demonstrations in Geneva, local authorities are putting, between June 12th and 18th, additional safety measures in place, including the closure of about 30 small border crossings.
The only access between Evian and Geneva during this time will be Anières, Moillesulaz, Thônex-Vallard, Bardonnex, Perly, Meyrin, and Ferney-Voltaire border crossings, where checks of passing vehicles will be more systematic.
Therefore, “significant delays are expected at these borders,” according to Carole-Anne Kast, head of Geneva’s security.
June 18th: New train between Bern and three European city launches
On this day, a private Dutch-Belgian operator, European Sleeper, plans to offer three weekly services in each direction between Switzerland’s capital city and Brussels, Amsterdam, and Milan.
While crossing Switzerland, the train will use the Simplon line.
Departures from Amsterdam and Brussels are scheduled for Monday, Thursday, and Saturday nights, arriving in Switzerland the following morning, before proceeding to Milan, the company announced.
Return journeys are scheduled for Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights.
June 21st : Summer starts — at least officially
This day marks the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere – including Switzerland — when the sun will be at its most northerly point in Earth’s sky.
June 30th: Tax extension deadline in some cantons
If you live in Aargau, Basel-Country, Fribourg, Nidwalden, Schaffhausen, Ticino, Vaud, or Zug, and have filed for a tax extension, this is the day your declaration is due.
