Federal Council adopts 2023 Space Policy

Bern, 19.04.2023 - The Federal Council today strengthened its commitment to space by adopting the 2023 Space Policy. This sets the course for the Confederation’s future space activities, providing a policy that is coordinated with Switzerland’s players in the space sector and embedded in its international context.

With its 2023 Space Policy, the Federal Council takes into account the rapid developments in and increasing importance of outer space. Satellite-based applications have become an indispensable part of everyday life: they provide vital services in areas such as communication, digitalisation, navigation, weather forecasting, climate analyses, security and defence. In recent years, space has become more accessible, and the number of players in Switzerland and abroad has grown. This increasingly raises questions relating to security and sustainability in space.

Switzerland works closely with international partners within and outside Europe, and for this reason is well positioned in the space sector. It contributes to programmes as part of its membership of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), as well as through its participation in the Galileo/EGNOS component of the EU's space programme. In the multilateral arena, Switzerland also plays an active role within various UN bodies, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the EU/ESA Space Council. The Federal Council's policy builds on these strengths and takes into account the new opportunities and challenges in space.

The Federal Council's Space Policy will benefit society, science and businesses, foster innovation, and therefore improve the country's competitiveness. It will ensure future generations are able to take full advantage of the opportunities inherent in space.

In its 2023 Space Policy, the Federal Council defines its approach and areas of activity in the space sector. It has instructed the EAER to work with the FDFA, the FDHA, the FDF, DETEC and the DDPS to submit a progress report by end of June 2027.

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