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With Switzerland set to abolish the imputed rental value, what does this mean for homeowners in practical terms? To help us make sense of it all, we turned to our go-to translator of tax language, Alex Clarke at Albatross Group, to break down what we know so far and what to consider next. Real Estate Update: Abolition of the Imputed Rental Value What it means for homeowners in Switzerland On September 28, 2025, Swiss voters approved the abolition of the imputed rental value with 57.7% voting in favour. The reform is expected to come into force no earlier than January 1, 2028. It's important to note that at this stage, only the federal direct tax component has been approved. The cantons, including Vaud, still need to to determine their own position regarding the exact tax treatment at the cantonal level. Does this apply to you? This concerns you if you: Own your primary residence in Switzerland Are planning to buy a home We are not covering rental properties here. A separate update will follow once more information is available. Key words to understand The imputed rental value is a notional income that homeowners must declare for the home they live in, as if they were renting it out. Even though no rent is received, this amount is added to taxable income. The idea behind it was to create equal tax treatment between homeowners and tenants. Who benefits most? Homeowners of relatively new properties, since they incur very low maintenance costs. New buyers benefit from the planned deduction of debt interest for first-time purchasers Homeowners who have largely repaid their mortgage, particularly retirees. Who may be disadvantaged? Owners of older properties in need of renovation works Those planning substantial renovation works after 2028 What changes? Mortgage interest deduction Debt interest will only be deductible on a limited basis, through a special deduction for first-time buyers of their primary residence. Interest will be capped at CHF 10,000 per year for a couple in the first year Reduced on a linear basis each year, over a ten-year period Renovation and maintenance costs These will no longer be tax-deductible for owner-occupied properties, except for costs relating to: Energy-saving Demolition All the changes mentioned above apply at the federal level. The cantons have not yet clarified the exact deductions that will be permitted at the cantonal level. What to consider now? For planned renovations, homeowners should quickly assess whether it makes sense to bring certain works forward, in order to still benefit from tax deductions during this transition period. Final thoughts If you own both rental property and your own home, running a financial simulation is the best way to understand the potential impact of the reform. Keep in mind that it is still too early to assess the full consequences, as the cantons have not yet fully defined the exact rules. For now, if you are planning renovations, it may be wise to carry them out while deductions are still available. At Albatross , we can help you identify which renovation expenses remain tax-deductible and in planning strategically during this transition period. Alex Clarke @ Albatross

Four days of films, discussion and practical inspiration. The Festival du Film Vert returns to Nyon from 12 to 15 March 2026, taking over the Salle Communale for a programme centred on ecology, biodiversity and solutions. This year’s edition focuses not just on raising awareness, but on highlighting people and projects already responding to environmental challenges. Opening Night - Climate and the World of Work The festival opens on Thursday 12 March (free entry, reservation required) with a screening of Éclaireurs , directed by Arthur Gosset. The film follows professionals whose careers are directly affected by climate disruption and who are choosing to rethink and transform their industries. The screening will be followed by a roundtable discussion on how different professions are adapting to the climate crisis, organised in partnership with the Ville de Nyon. Saturday: Art, Agriculture and Action Saturday 14 March brings two standout screenings. Una canción para mi tierra (A Song for My Earth) , recently awarded at the Green Film Award, tells the story of a music teacher and his students who use song and performance to speak out against pesticide use. The film will be preceded by a live concert from Colour of Rice and followed by a short discussion on the role of art in defending the living world. Devenir Paysan Later, Devenir Paysan  traces the journey of Léonard, an HEC graduate and son of doctors, who decides to become a farmer. The film explores the realities of access to land, economic pressure and the search for meaning in agricultural work. A discussion with directors Alexia Tissières and Mathilde Vandaele will follow, focusing on agricultural transition and the renewal of farming professions. Workshops and Nature-Inspired Creativity Across Saturday and Sunday, the festival extends beyond screenings. Origami artist and naturalist Jonathan Rebouillat will present an exhibition and lead workshops for both children and adults. Inspired by wildlife and the Amazon, his work combines observation, craft and environmental awareness. Nature storytelling and activities led by Léman Nature will also form part of the weekend programme. Throughout the festival, filmmakers and specialists will be present for discussions, offering space for dialogue around ecological transition and biodiversity. Practical Information 📍 Salle Communale de Nyon, Rue des Marchandises 4 📅 Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 March 2026 🎬 Screenings, debates, workshops and family-friendly events Full programme and reservations: www.festivaldufilmvert.ch Instagram: @ffvnyon The Festival du Film Vert has built a reputation in Nyon for combining information with accessibility. For those looking to better understand environmental challenges and the people responding to them, it offers four days of films and conversations rooted in action rather than alarm.

@Photo: Christian Bonzon / City of Nyon / February 23, 2026 If you’ve walked past Avenue Reverdil recently, you may have noticed something quietly taking shape just a short walk from the train station. On 17 March 2026, Nyon’s library reopens under a new name: L’INTERLUDE. This isn’t just a relocation. It’s a rethinking. Bringing everything together on one ground-floor site at Avenue Reverdil 4, the Ville de Nyon has reshaped the library into something more central, more visible and, perhaps most importantly, more usable. Not Just a Library Anymore For many in Nyon, the library is more than a place to borrow books. It’s a study space during exams. A quiet corner between meetings. A Wednesday afternoon ritual with children. The redesign reflects that wider purpose. The entire space now sits on one level, making it easier to navigate and more accessible. The layout feels open, designed for movement rather than corridors and separation. You’ll find: A dedicated early childhood area A proper gaming and manga zone, reflecting its growing popularity More comfortable reading corners Increased study desks for students and remote workers It feels less compartmentalised and more like a shared cultural living room. Longer Hours to Reflect Real-Life Rhythms One of the most noticeable changes is practical: opening hours increase from 25 to 39 hours per week. This change acknowledges how people actually use the space. Students revising in the evenings. Families stopping by after school. Remote workers needing a focused environment. Readers simply wanting somewhere calm to sit. The library is adapting to modern routines. Photo: Christian Bonzon / City of Nyon / February 23, 2026 And There’s More to Come The opening on 17 March is just the first step. The Nyon Région Ludothèque (Toy Library) will soon join the site once renovation works are complete, adding a dedicated games library to the mix. A café offer, formerly part of the adult section, will now be expanded to welcome all visitors. The full inauguration of L’INTERLUDE – Bibliothèque, Ludothèque and Café is scheduled for 2 May 2026, when additional developments will be unveiled. A Cultural Pause in the Centre of Town L’INTERLUDE signals a shift in scale rather than a change of purpose. Even in an increasingly digital world, libraries remain an important part of local life. In 2025 alone, more than 63,000 people passed through its doors, borrowing close to 150,000 physical items. The redesign responds to that sustained demand with better access, longer hours and a layout suited to contemporary use.

Just when winter starts to feel a little long, Les Hivernales  returns to remind us that festival season in Nyon doesn’t only belong to summer. From 26 February to 1 March 2026 , the much-loved winter festival returns for its 16th edition, bringing live music, DJ sets and performances to venues across Nyon and nearby Gland. @les Hivernales Live music across multiple venues Over the years, Les Hivernales  has become something of a winter ritual for locals. It’s not just about big stages and headline acts. It’s about hopping between venues, meeting friends for a drink, discovering a new artist by chance, and feeling the town come alive despite the cold. Concerts take place in familiar spots including the Salle Communale, Usine à Gaz, La Parenthèse, Backstage Pub, Fishermen’s Pub and La Plage. Most venues are within walking distance, which makes the whole experience feel connected and easy (just how we like it!) What to expect this year This year’s edition promises an eclectic programme that celebrates both established names and emerging talents. The Line-Up 2026  features artists and acts including Blaise Bersinger, Charles Nouveau, FORMA, Jeremy Crausaz, Etienne Machine, Katavia, TAFTA, Âme DJ, Black Space, Trikk, ChauFAU, Lulu Van Trapp, Colour of Rice and many more. From Thursday night’s Comedy Club kick-off  to lively concerts throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Les Hivernales  offers a mix of styles and atmospheres, ideal whether you’re dancing the night away with friends or exploring new music with family. The festival’s programming spans paid and free events, making it accessible for people with varied interests and budgets. And beyond the music, Les Hivernales  is known for its social and environmental approach, creating a warm, communal experience right in the middle of winter. Practical info for visitors Dates:  26 February – 1 March 2026 Venues:  Multiple locations in Nyon and Gland Tickets:  Available through the festival’s official booking site here Getting around is simple: most venues are within walking distance of Nyon’s train station, and there are bike and car parking options nearby. Food trucks, warm drinks (including the festival’s famous rhum-pomme chaud) and a friendly village atmosphere make it a great outing for locals and visitors alike. Situated early in the cultural calendar, Les Hivernales  sets the tone for the festival season in the Nyon region and contributes to the town’s identity as a Ville de festivals  alongside events like Visions du Réel, Caribana, Rive Jazzy, Paléo and far°.

@Ville de Nyon The Ville de Nyon is expanding its youth offer with a new dedicated space for 14–25-year-olds and the relaunch of its Youth Council. Together, these initiatives aim to give young people more places to meet, express themselves and take part in local life. A New Youth Space at La Redoute From Friday 6 March 2026, a new “Espace Jeunes” opens at the Maison de quartier de la Redoute (Chemin de la Redoute 12). It will run every Friday from 5pm to 8pm and is managed by their Vivre Ensemble team. The redesigned room includes a relaxed hangout area and a small snack bar. Evenings will be shaped by the young people themselves, with ideas already including: Gaming sessions Pizza nights Film screenings Occasional concerts The concept is simple - the space evolves according to what young people want to create there. Mercredis des Filles Continues to Grow Since autumn 2025, “Mercredis des filles” has been welcoming girls aged 8+ every Wednesday during term time (2pm–4:30pm) at the Pré de l’Oie neighbourhood centre. Around fifteen participants attend weekly. Sessions are led by the Cohésion sociale team and include creative workshops, baking, gaming and outings. The programme has quickly become a valued space for connection and conversation. Espace ados à la maison de quartier de la Redoute. Photo : Ville de Nyon Supporting Youth Beyond School These new initiatives build on Nyon’s wider youth support network, which already includes: Revision rooms at La Redoute Peer-led prevention during informal evenings Sports activities for teens and young adults Neighbourhood animation projects The focus is consistent. Supporting young people’s ideas, creativity and wellbeing. Youth Council Returns The City is also relaunching its Youth Council for 14–25-year-olds. The Council offers a platform to: Develop projects and organise events Share views on issues that matter locally Take part in shaping change in Nyon Young residents can join a dedicated WhatsApp group to stay informed and get involved. With a new youth hub and renewed opportunities for civic participation, Nyon is reinforcing a clear message: young people are an active part of the city’s present, not just its future. More information: nyon.ch/jeunesse

How to fill in your ballot without second-guessing yourself By now, your voting envelope may already be sitting on the kitchen table. Inside: multiple ballots, party lists, blank lines, and instructions that can feel... a little overwhelming at first glance. If you’ve ever opened a Swiss voting envelope and thought, “Right. Let me have a coffee before I tackle this.” (Definitely me.) You’re not alone. In Part I , we covered who can vote and the key dates for this spring’s municipal elections. In Part II, Bob Jenefsky walks us through the practical side: how to actually complete your ballot for the Nyon City Council and Municipalité without accidentally invalidating your vote. It’s not as complicated as it looks once you understand the logic behind it. Here’s how it works. Living in Nyon holds no affiliation with any political party. We offer space for candidates to share their perspectives for our readers. What’s in your voting envelope? If you are entitled to vote in the next round of municipal elections on Sunday, March 8, you will already have received your voting envelope. Inside, you’ll find slightly different materials depending on your status. If you are Swiss , your envelope includes: A booklet of ballots for the election to the Nyon City Council A ballot for the first round of the election to the Nyon government ( Municipalité ) A ballot for the cantonal by-election of a member of the cantonal government ( Conseiller·ère d’Etat ) A ballot for the federal referendum Official explanatory brochures If you are a non-Swiss resident eligible to vote , you will receive: The ballots for the Nyon City Council The ballot for the Nyon Municipalité In the sections below, we’ll focus on how to complete the two Nyon municipal ballots. Nyon City Council Election On March 8, voters will elect all 100 members of the Nyon City Council in a single go. This election is based on proportional representation . In simple terms, each party receives the number of seats that reflects its share of the total votes cast. Each voter has 100 votes (called “suffrages”)  to distribute, corresponding to the 100 seats to be filled. In your envelope, you’ll find: 7 numbered ballots (one for each party, see table below) 1 unnumbered ballot with 100 blank lines Photograph @ Michel Perret. Ville de Nyon Here’s how it works. Option 1: Vote for one party list as it stands You can give all 100 of your suffrages to a single party by simply placing one of the printed party ballots in the envelope without making any changes. In that case: The party receives 100 suffrages. Each candidate on that list receives one suffrage. Option 2: Support specific candidates on a party list If you are using a printed party ballot, you can personalise it slightly. You may: Write a candidate’s name a second time (but not a third). That candidate will receive two suffrages. Cross off the names of candidates you do not wish to support. In both cases, the party still receives 100 suffrages in total. How seats are allocated After voting closes on March 8, all suffrages are counted. Each party’s total suffrages are compared to the overall number of suffrages cast. Seats are then distributed proportionally. For example, if a party receives 22% of the total suffrages, it will receive 22 of the 100 seats. Once this has been established, the number of votes per candidate is tallied to determine which of the candidates actually get the seats, beginning with the candidate with the most suffrages . What if you want to vote across party lines? If you like candidates from more than one party, you have two options. Option 1: Use the blank ballot You can take the blank ballot and write in up to 100 candidate names by hand (including candidates whose names you’ve entered twice). A few important rules apply: You may only vote for official candidates (those listed on the 7 printed party ballots). Each party receives one suffrage for each of its candidates you include. If you list fewer than 100 names, you may also write the name and number of a single party in the upper right-hand corner of the ballot. That party will then receive the remaining suffrages needed to bring your total to 100. For example, if you write in 60 candidate names and indicate a party in the corner, that party will receive the remaining 40 suffrages. Option 2: Start with a printed party ballot and modify it You may also begin with one of the printed party ballots and then add candidates from other parties. In this case: For every candidate you add from another party, one suffrage is deducted from the 100 originally allocated to the party whose printed ballot you are using. The added candidate receives one suffrage for their own party. Important reminder Place only one City Council ballot in the envelope. Including more than one will disqualify your vote. Photograph @ Michel Perret. Ville de Nyon Election to the Nyon Municipalité (First Round) The election to the Municipalité works differently from the City Council vote. This is a majority election , not a proportional one. You will receive a single ballot listing the candidates. You may select up to seven candidates , as there are seven seats to be filled. Important rules: You may not choose more than seven candidates. You may not write a candidate’s name twice. If you select more than seven names, your ballot will be disqualified. In this first round, candidates obtaining the absolute majority of votes cast are elected. If not all seven seats are filled in the first round (which is often the case), a runoff election will take place on Sunday, March 29 , and the remaining seats will then be decided by relative majority. Be an informed voter! If you’d like to learn more about the parties and candidates standing in Nyon, you can find profiles and official information on the City of Nyon website at www.nyon.ch . Party representatives are also present on Saturday mornings at Place St-Martin . It’s an opportunity to ask questions, exchange views, and, yes, occasionally pick up a bit of cool swag along the way. Municipal elections shape everyday life in Nyon, from local schools and public spaces to transport and community services. Taking a few minutes to understand how your ballot works helps ensure your vote reflects your intentions. Happy voting on March 8. Robert (Bob) Jenefsky is an elected member of the Nyon City Council and president of the Parti Indépendant Nyonnais (www.independant.ch) . He is also co-founder of Nyon Business Forum, a business networking group established in 2017 ( www.nyonbusinessforum.ch ). Bob holds a PhD in Physics from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne (EPFL).

What you need to know before voting this spring Local elections in Switzerland can take a bit of getting used to. The different councils, distinct voting systems, and several rounds across multiple dates. If you’re new to Vaud (or voting here for the first time), it’s easy to get lost in the details. That’s why we asked Bob Jenefsky , longtime Nyon resident and all-round election explainer to walk us through what happens during the municipal election cycle. In this series, Bob will explain everythig you need to know so you can feel confident when your voting envelope arrives. Below, Part I covers the essential dates, who can vote, and what to expect this spring 2026 . Local Elections Sunday, March 8, 2026 marks the first round of the next local election cycle in the Canton of Vaud.  Swiss citizens and eligible non-Swiss residents will be asked to vote for their representatives to their city or village councils ( Conseil communal or Conseil general ) as well as the members of their communal executive ( Conseil municipal , usually abbreviated Municipalité , including the mayor ( syndic )).  It’s a somewhat complicated process which can appear daunting to first-time voters (and even to more experienced voters, as some aspects of  the voting system occasionally change from one election to the next!).   Living in Nyon has asked me to break my description of the process down into bite-size chunks to prevent information overload, so please let me know if I’m succeeding as well as sending any specific to questions to me c/o “Living in Nyon”. Either pop them in the comments below or email them at livinginnyon@gmail.com   Key Dates   Sunday, March 8, 2026: -Election of city/village councils (proportional vote) -First round of election of city/village municipalités (majority vote)   Sunday, March 29, 2026 -Run-off election of city/village municipalités (majority vote)   Sunday, April 26, 2026 -First round of mayoral ( syndic ) election (majority vote)   Sunday, May 17, 2026 -Run-off mayoral ( syndic ) election (majority vote)   Voters receive their voting material about a week before each election and can return their completed ballots by mail or in person anytime up to the Sunday deadline (exact times vary by commune ).   Who can vote?   -Swiss citizens over the age of 18 on the date of the election -Non-Swiss citizens with “B” or “C” permits who have resided in Switzerland continuously for the past 10 years and in the Canton of Vaud continuously for the past 3 years.   If you’re eligible, you will automatically receive the voting material.  In case of doubt, contact your local city or village administration ( greffe communal ).   In the next article, we’ll discuss the details of the voting process.    Robert Jenefsky Robert (Bob) Jenefsky is an elected member of the Nyon City Council and president of the Parti Indépendant Nyonnais (www.independant.ch) . He is also co-founder of Nyon Business Forum, a business networking group established in 2017 ( www.nyonbusinessforum.ch ). Bob holds a PhD in Physics from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne (EPFL).

Artists and cultural creatives connected to Nyon, take note. For the fifth consecutive year, the Fondation pour les arts et la culture de Nyon (FAC) has launched its annual call for projects, offering a total of CHF 30,000  in financial support for artistic creation in 2026. The competition is open to Swiss artists and artists residing in Switzerland, across all artistic disciplines; from visual arts and performance to music, literature, theatre and beyond. A project rooted in Nyon To be eligible, submitted projects must have a strong connection to Nyon or the surrounding region. The work must also be specifically designed for this competition. The call is open to individual artists as well as associations and foundations, and there are no age restrictions. What matters most is originality, quality and a meaningful local link. The aim is not only to fund creative work, but to encourage projects that contribute to Nyon’s cultural life and remain accessible to the wider community. Supporting culture, year after year Founded in 2010, the Fondation pour les arts et la culture de Nyon (FAC) plays an important role in strengthening the city’s artistic scene. Acting as a bridge between cultural and economic actors in the region, the foundation supports the creation, production and dissemination of original works anchored in Nyon. Each year, its competition provides both financial backing and visibility, with the winning project announced during an official ceremony at Usine à Gaz. For many artists, it’s an opportunity not only to secure funding, but also to connect more deeply with the local community. Key dates Application deadline:  3 April 2026 (midnight) Funding available:  CHF 30,000 (awarded to one or more projects) Announcement of winner(s):  10 June 2026 at the Usine à Gaz Applications must be submitted electronically. Full details, eligibility criteria and submission guidelines are available on the FAC website: fac-nyon.ch An invitation to create Nyon has long been known as a festival and culture town. Initiatives like the FAC Competition help ensure that creativity continues not only through major events, but also through local artistic projects that grow from within the community.

With local elections approaching, we sat down with Dr Ariane Schwab Hug to discuss her journey into politics, the priorities she’s focusing on in Nyon, and why voting matters for both Swiss and non-Swiss residents. Dr Ariane Schwab Hug, a child psychiatrist and member of the Green Party, was elected to Nyon’s Conseil communal in 2021 and is running again this year. Living in Nyon holds no affiliation with any political party. We offer space for candidates to share their perspectives for our readers. Dr Ariane Schwab Hug What inspired you to get involved in local politics in Nyon? My path into politics has not been a typical one. I have always respected our political system and made sure to vote, but I never imagined becoming actively involved until I fully understood the seriousness of the climate crisis. In 2019, something changed for me. I saw young people taking to the streets, demanding political action on climate issues. It was a wake-up call. I realised I could no longer just watch from the sidelines. I feel that my generation and those before us, share a great responsibility for the current state of the planet. It didn’t feel right to leave this burden to younger generations. I am a mother, and I worry about the future of my children and potential future grandchildren. I am also a child psychiatrist, and I see every day how deeply a child’s development is shaped by their environment. For me, it became clear that protecting our environment also means protecting our children’s future. That is why I decided to join the Green Party and contribute at the local level. I have discovered many inspiring citizen initiatives around the world, including those featured in the documentary Tomorrow (2015) Demain , that give me hope. Even if international decisions often move too slowly, there is still a great deal we can do locally. Local choices can directly improve quality of life and help communities become more resilient in the face of future challenges. I was elected to the Conseil communal of Nyon in 2021 and am running again this year. What would you say to eligible Swiss and non-Swiss voters about why it’s important for them to take part in this local election? Taking part in local elections means choosing your municipal authorities and deciding which political direction you want to see guiding the community for the next five years. As an expat living in Nyon, you pay taxes. A large part of the municipal council’s work involves deciding how public money is spent. Voting is therefore essential if you want to have a say in how your tax contributions are used and what priorities should guide local spending. Over the past five years, serving on the municipal council has shown me how close some votes can be, often involving several million francs of public funds. In these cases, the number of seats held by each party can make a real difference. This is why every vote truly matters. Each individual ballot has the potential to influence important decisions. Voting for the first time can also feel like discovering a new and sometimes complex political system, one that is deeply rooted in Swiss culture. But participating is also a powerful way to integrate, to better understand how your municipality works, and to stay informed about what is happening in your local community. What are the issues you are most focused on in Nyon right now? Together with my colleagues from the Green Party, we are strongly committed to the responsible and efficient use of resources. Beyond the development of renewable energy, which has seen significant growth in recent years, partly thanks to Green initiatives - there is also the crucial issue of water management. We recently voted on a new regulation, fully aware that water will become an increasingly precious resource and that we must avoid wasting it. Mobility is another key concern. How can we ensure that different modes of transport coexist smoothly, while encouraging more environmentally friendly choices such as cycling, walking, and public transport? In a town that is growing rapidly, this is a sensitive issue that many residents experience in their daily lives. It is becoming increasingly urgent to develop a truly connected and safe cycling network within the municipality, so that this popular and sustainable form of transport can grow under the right safety conditions. Urban greening is also a major challenge for the coming decades. Moving toward the concept of a “sponge city”- designed to absorb rainwater naturally and reduce heat, is essential. Although progress has been made, our tree canopy coverage still falls short of our targets for effectively combating urban heat islands. Finally, we would like to strengthen the sense of community across the city. This means bringing more life to peripheral neighbourhoods and promoting urban planning that includes green spaces, local services, and meeting places within walking distance of home. I believe these issues concern every resident of Nyon, whether Swiss or foreign national, because local politics shapes the city we live in. The consequences of local political decisions are concrete and visible in everyday life, regardless of the colour of your passport. We’re grateful to Dr Ariane Schwab Hug for taking the time to share her experiences with our Living in Nyon community. Thank you. A reminder for our community Local politics directly shapes daily life from transport and schools to green spaces and public spending. As Nyon heads toward elections, understanding the perspectives of different candidates helps residents make informed choices. For eligible voters, getting familiar with the issues and having your voice heard can make a real difference locally. A snapshot of the 2026 Nyon local elections as they stand The number of candidates for the Municipalité and Conseil communal, as well as how many people are representing each party. For more information visit Ville de Nyon And if you are a local candidate or community voice with something meaningful to share with Living in Nyon, we welcome you to get in touch.

What if you could swap skills instead of money? What if an hour of dog walking, language practice, tech help, gardening, childcare or simply companionship were all valued equally? That’s the idea behind the Nyon Time Bank , a new bilingual community project currently taking shape in Nyon. The initiative is being developed by Sophie Evans, a Nyon resident who believes that community support doesn’t always need to involve money, just time and willingness. The initiative has already received support through the Prix du développement durable de la Ville de Nyon , having been awarded the Prize of Encouragement and received 2,500 Swiss francs to support its development. A welcome boost for a project rooted in local connection and mutual support. Copyright @ Michel Perret / Ville de Nyon. Sophie Evans (centre) So, what is a time bank? A time bank is a simple exchange system where people trade time instead of money. For every hour you help someone, you earn one time credit. You can then use that credit to receive help from someone else. One Hour = One Credit. It doesn’t matter whether you’re offering language conversation, gardening support, help with errands, childcare, tech assistance, or practical tasks around the home. Every contribution is valued equally. It’s not about professional qualifications or market rates. It’s about sharing what you can and asking for what you need. A community built on skills and enjoyment One of the most refreshing parts of the concept is that it encourages people to offer what they genuinely enjoy doing. For example, Sophie admits that, somewhat unusually she loves darning socks and running errands around Nyon on her e-bike. That’s something she’d happily offer. On the flip side? She’s on the lookout for someone willing to teach her how to crochet and knit socks. (Nice socks matter.) It’s this balance of practical support and shared interests that gives a time bank its warmth. It’s not just transactional. It’s relational. Why Nyon? In a town like Nyon, where many residents come from different countries and backgrounds, a bilingual time bank has the potential to strengthen connections across generations, cultures and neighbourhoods. It offers: A way to meet people beyond your usual circles Support without financial pressure A sense of belonging and shared contribution Practical help for everyday life And perhaps most importantly, it reinforces the idea that everyone has something valuable to offer. If this sounds like something you’d like to be part of, simply send an email to Sophie at Evanssophieann@gmail.com to express your interest and be kept in the loop about upcoming information sessions for potential member. Sophie Evans

Big news for Nyon. The Paléo Festival Nyon is starting 2026 with two major announcements: the launch of its own solar farm AND being named Best Major Festival  at the European Festival Awards. As the festival prepares for its 2026 edition (Tuesday 21 – Sunday 26 July) and looks ahead to its 50th anniversary in 2027, Paléo is reinforcing both its international reputation and its long-term sustainability ambitions. A Solar Farm Next to the Festival Site From this year, Paléo will quite literally run on sunshine. Located right next to the festival grounds, a new solar installation made up of 261 photovoltaic panels  now produces more than 100,000 kWh per year . This covers around 50% of the Festival’s electricity needs  for one edition. To put that into perspective: It’s eight times the energy required by the Grande Scène during one festival. It represents the equivalent of around a dozen round-the-world trips in an electric car. It is one of the first initiatives of its kind for a festival in Switzerland. The remaining electricity continues to come from a 100% green energy mix , which Paléo has used since 2006. A Long-Term Project Rooted in the Region The solar farm is the result of several years of development, carried out in collaboration with Swiss company OptimalGo. Started in 2023 and fully operational since January 2026, the installation is designed as a local energy circuit. In practical terms, this means Paléo can produce and consume its own renewable electricity and in the event of surplus, supply it to nearby residents, farmers and small businesses. It’s another step in the Festival’s broader sustainability policy, which in recent years has included: The introduction of reusable tableware (2024) A permanent regional cup-washing facility (2025) “A Greener Festival” certification (2025) A new carbon assessment is also planned following the 50th edition in 2027. Ambiance, Paléo Festival Nyon 2025 — © Paléo / Timon Bachmann Best Major Festival in Europe While investing in sustainability at home, Paléo has also been recognised on the international stage. In January, at the European Festival Awards ceremony held during Eurosonic Noorderslag in the Netherlands, the Paléo Festival Nyon received the Best Major Festival Award . This category is reserved for events welcoming more than 40,000 festival-goers per day. The award recognises outstanding quality in both programming and overall audience experience. After an online vote involving 300,000 participants across Europe, a professional jury selected the winner from ten finalists. For Paléo, the award reflects not only its line-up and organisation, but also the strength of its community: a permanent team, association members, and more than 5,000 volunteers who bring the Festival to life each year. As Daniel Rossellat, President of Paléo Festival Nyon, noted, the distinction above all celebrates “a collective adventure and the exceptional commitment of the entire Paléo community.” Paléo Poster Designed by young artist Garance Allely Looking Ahead to 2027 These announcements come at a symbolic moment. As Paléo prepares its 2026 edition, it is also gearing up for its 50th anniversary in 2027 which is a fantastic milestone for one of Switzerland’s most iconic cultural events. Between energy innovation, international recognition and continued community engagement, the festival is positioning itself not just as a major music event, but as a long-term cultural and environmental actor in the region. For Nyon, it’s a reminder that one of its biggest stages continues to evolve and shine, well beyond the music. With sustainability milestones and a major European award already in hand, attention now shifts to the music. The 2026 line-up will be unveiled in March and expectations are high! Here's the aftermovie of Paléo 2025 Copyright @ Paléo Festival

Remote work has opened up new possibilities. More and more people based in Switzerland are taking on international roles, working for companies abroad, or collaborating with global clients. For many professionals living in Vaud or around Lake Geneva, the idea of stepping outside the Swiss system can feel like a big leap. But one big question often follows: How do you work abroad without giving up the stability and protection that comes with being employed in Switzerland? This is where Numeriq Payroll Services  comes in. The challenge of working for an international employer Let’s say you’re offered a role with a company in the UK, the US, or elsewhere in Europe. It might be fully remote. It might even require occasional travel. Exciting? Absolutely.Simple from an administrative perspective? Not always. Questions quickly arise: What happens to your Swiss social security? What about pension contributions? Health insurance? Tax reporting? Residency status? For many professionals, the idea of losing the Swiss safety net can feel risky. The solution? A Swiss employer of record Numeriq acts as your Swiss employer of record. That means you can work for an international company while remaining employed in Switzerland. In practical terms, this allows you to: Stay enrolled in the Swiss social security system Continue pension contributions Maintain Swiss insurance coverage Keep your Swiss residency status Avoid complex international administrative processes You gain the flexibility of global work without stepping outside the Swiss system. Why this matters Switzerland offers some of the strongest employment protections and insurance benefits in Europe. Remaining within the Swiss framework can mean: Top-tier Swiss insurance coverage (including private hospital options, if applicable) Stability in case of illness, maternity, or unemployment Clear, predictable payroll processes A regular monthly salary Numeriq also manages the administrative side of things, handling payroll, invoicing and compliance with both Swiss and international requirements. That means you receive a consistent monthly salary, even if the international client pays late. Something that can make a real difference when it comes to financial stability. It’s the freedom of international work, without giving up your Swiss safety net. Who is this for? This model can be particularly useful for: Professionals offered roles with companies that don’t have a Swiss entity Consultants or freelancers who want employment stability Remote workers collaborating with international clients Swiss residents exploring career opportunities beyond national borders It allows you to expand your professional horizons without dismantling your existing setup. The Numeriq Team International work, Swiss stability Global work no longer means choosing between flexibility and security. With Numeriq Payroll Services, you can build an international career while staying firmly anchored in Switzerland. If you’re considering a role abroad and want to understand how it could work in practice, visit their sponsor page here to learn more or get in touch.