Rosemarie Breitenstein announces the new UK CSA Delegates for the 2025 - 2029 term.

A historic turning point for the Swiss Abroad
in the UK

Congress of the Swiss Abroad – London, 7 June 2025

This year’s Congress of the Swiss Abroad in the UK, held at the Swiss Embassy in London on Saturday 7 June 2025, marked a significant moment for the Swiss community: it was the last Annual General Meeting (AGM) under the name FOSSUK, saw the first-ever UK-wide electronic voting for delegates to the Council of the Swiss Abroad, and hosted a heartfelt programme of reflections, reforms, and renewed purpose. More than just a formal gathering, the day became a celebration of the past and a launchpad for the future.

 

Jeffrey Long OBE, Margrit Lyster, Rosemarie Breitenstein and Ann Amman

 

1. FOSSUK AGM – A Farewell and a new beginning

This AGM marked the end of an era: the final meeting of FOSSUK – the Federation of Swiss Societies in the UK – which has been a cornerstone of Swiss life in Britain for over 75 years. But more than a closure, it was a celebration of continuity, collective identity, and the evolving spirit of the Swiss Abroad.

The Federation’s story began in 1948, in the post-war spirit of rebuilding and reconnection. On the 2nd of June that year, the presidents of all Swiss societies and organisations in the UK were invited to a preliminary meeting. A second gathering followed on the 20th of September, when participants decided to establish a President’s Council to safeguard the interests of Swiss citizens living in the UK.

This initiative culminated in the official founding of what would become FOSSUK. On the 4th of February 1949, the President’s Assembly was created through the initiative of three major Swiss societies. Dr Hans Egli of the New Helvetic Society, Mr Walter Meier of the Swiss Mercantile Society, and Mr Raul de Cintra of the City Swiss Club were the driving forces behind this early federation. Initially made up of 17 member societies, the network steadily grew. In October 1965, under the continued leadership of Dr Egli, the organisation was renamed the Federation of Swiss Societies in the United Kingdom. He remained at its helm until 1974. One of the Federation’s early responsibilities was to elect the UK delegates to the Commission of the Swiss Abroad, and to assist them financially in attending meetings in Switzerland.

Over the decades, FOSSUK became more than a coordination platform. It evolved into the heartbeat of the Swiss diaspora in Britain, shaped by generations of dedicated individuals.

Among the most influential was Mr Jeffrey Long OBE, who served as president from 1989 to 2006. With a strong sense of community and connection, he helped decentralise FOSSUK by encouraging member societies to host the AGM in different parts of the country. He was also a driving force behind the organisation of the Battersea Fair in 1991, an event that brought together over 8,000 attendees and showcased the vibrancy and diversity of Swiss life in Britain. Throughout his presidency, he maintained close personal ties with members across the UK, ensuring their voices were heard and their contributions recognised.

Another pivotal figure in FOSSUK’s more recent history is Mrs Margrit Lyster, who led the Federation from 2011 to 2016. A former social worker at the Swiss Welfare Office and welfare officer of the Swiss Benevolent Society, she had already been involved in various Swiss societies in London for many years. During her presidency, she offered invaluable support and guidance to member societies across the UK. Her longstanding dedication also included serving as a delegate to the Council of the Swiss Abroad from 1993 to 2017. Even today, she continues to be a trusted pillar of the Swiss community in the UK, known for her care, diplomacy and commitment.

Also present at the final AGM was Mrs Rosemarie Breitenstein, whose contribution to the Swiss community spans nearly four decades. She has held long-standing roles as Honorary Treasurer and Secretary of several London-based Swiss clubs and has served as both delegate and deputy delegate to the Council of the Swiss Abroad. Since 2004, she has been deeply involved with the Swiss Church in London, first as Company Secretary and Vice-President, and currently as a Trustee of the Arts Educational Schools in London. Her work reflects a deep commitment to civic and cultural life, and to the integration of Swiss values within the broader British landscape.

No reflection on FOSSUK would be complete without mentioning the late Mrs Mariann Meier, often affectionately called the doyenne of the Swiss community. A passionate historian and cultural organiser, she was editor of the Swiss Observer for seven years, president of the New Helvetic Society for fifteen, and actively involved in FOSSUK for over 35 years. For 22 of those, she represented the UK at the Council of the Swiss Abroad, attending the Organisation’s meetings no fewer than 44 times. Her motto – “keine Feier ohne Meier” – captured her wit and unwavering devotion to Swiss cultural life abroad.

During this final AGM, Mrs Margrit Lyster shared the moving words of Erika Farwell-Meier, evoking the spirit of past efforts and the lasting sense of community that FOSSUK represented. 

Loredana's final act as president was to open the path forward, a task she has been deeply committed to. She celebrated FOSSUK not as an institution of the past, but as a foundation for something new, acknowledging how today’s Swiss abroad live, connect, and organise differently.
Then came “The Way Forward”, presented by OSA delegate Mrs Lakshmi Sundaram, laying out the vision for a reimagined umbrella organisation that reflects the evolving needs of the Swiss in the UK. The new body will be called SwissCommunity UK, aligned with the international branding of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA).

This new form aims to be:

–    A virtual hub for Swiss citizens across the UK

–    A direct link with the Swiss Embassy and Swiss Review

–    A supporter of clubs, and

–    A voice for all generations of Swiss Abroad

As proposed in a formal motion, a transition committee will now take over, including representatives from the Unione Ticinese London, the New Helvetic Society, and the Swiss Club Edinburgh, to implement these reforms and open new opportunities for participation among all Swiss living in the UK.
 

Andreas Feller Ryf (L) and Loredana Guetg Wyatt (R)

 

2. Democratic renewal – The first UK-wide electronic vote

Another historic first was confirmed during the congress: the successful completion of the first electronic vote for electing UK delegates to the Council of the Swiss Abroad.

Presented by Andreas Feller-Ryf and Loredana Guetg-Wyatt, the new voting process is part of a global pilot project rolled out in 13 electoral districts across 24 countries. The system was designed in partnership with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the University of Applied Sciences in Bern.

Where previous votes relied on Google Forms and limited outreach via Swiss clubs and embassies, this new system:

–    Used a secure, central platform in Switzerland
–    Contacted over 240,000 Swiss abroad directly by email
–    Offered a transparent and efficient process
–    Increased both candidate numbers and voter participation

This marks a major step toward inclusive, direct democracy for Swiss abroad. The five newly elected delegates and three deputy delegates—whose names are listed on page 2—will now represent the UK in the Council of the Swiss Abroad.

The success of this democratic leap owes much to the years of advocacy and groundwork by Andreas and Loredana, who have worked tirelessly to ensure Swiss in the UK are not only heard but counted.
 

Social mingling after inspiring speakers 

 

3. Guests and inspirations – looking forward with courage

The final session welcomed guests whose work and words brought inspiration, insight, and fresh perspectives.

Ann Amann, author of “Brains, Hearts and Wondering Souls”, shared the emotional story behind her memoir. After love, loss, and rebuilding her life in Thailand, she spoke of human strength, care, and commitment.

From the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr Michele Malizia introduced the “Aging Abroad Initiative”, a project helping Swiss citizens prepare for retirement in foreign countries. With rising numbers of Swiss retiring overseas, early and informed planning has become crucial.

Mrs Yvonne Rohner, Head of the Consular Protection Division at the FDFA, discussed the growing complexity of consular work, with 70% of Swiss in the UK holding more than one nationality. She encouraged the use of the Travel Admin App, an essential tool during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic to assure communications between citizens abroad and consular support and services.

Mr Lukas Weber, newly appointed Director of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), addressed the financial and institutional challenges facing OSA due to recent federal budget cuts. He stressed the need for collaborative and flexible frameworks, capable of addressing new realities for Swiss living abroad.

 

Inspirational paralympian Leo McCrea introduced by SwissInfo's Alexandra Andrist

 

Closing words from a Champion

The day concluded on a powerful note, with a moving speech by Leo McCrea, Swiss Paralympic gold medallist in the 100m Breaststroke at the Paris 2024 Games. Leo impressed the room with his story of resilience, courage, and determination.

He spoke not just of medals, but of the challenges behind them: setbacks, rehabilitation, self-belief—and the unwavering power of teamwork. His message was clear: inclusivity in sport is not a luxury – it is a necessity. Currently, only a small fraction of people with disabilities have access to sport. Leo called for change, reminding us that champions are built not only by talent, but by community support, opportunity, and dignity (SR issue 2 2025).

 

A community in motion

The 2025 Congress of the Swiss Abroad in the UK will be remembered not only for what ended, but for what began. The farewell to FOSSUK was also a welcome: to SwissCommunity UK, to new delegates, new tools, new voices, and a stronger, more inclusive community.

In London that day, the past, present, and future of the Swiss Abroad came together—with gratitude, innovation, and a renewed sense of purpose.

 

Important Information – Please Read Carefully

Preserving Our History:

We are gathering historical information, documents, and photographs related to the past 60 years of FOSSUK’s life. These materials will be handed to the London Metropolitan Archives to ensure the achievements of the Swiss community in the UK –  and the people who shaped them –  are recorded and remembered for generations to come.

If you have anything to contribute – old newsletters, event flyers, photos, correspondence, or personal memories – please get in touch at swissreviewuk@gmail.com. Every piece matters.

Shaping the Future:

As outlined in the motion presented at the AGM, a Transition Committee has been empowered to lead the way forward. Comprised of current task force members and open to new Swiss contributors, the committee will help shape the future of our community structures and initiatives in the UK.

If you are interested in getting involved and contributing to this important renewal, now is the time to step forward. Your voice, energy, and ideas are needed.