Bundesrat will sich Teilnahme am Copernicus-Programm nicht leisten
Published: Wednesday, May 1st 2024, 14:40
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Switzerland has decided not to participate in the EU's Copernicus earth observation program for the time being. The Federal Council justifies this with the Confederation's strained financial situation. Parliament had voted in favor of participation in the satellite program.
Participation would lead to additional expenditure, the state government argued on Wednesday. There is currently no scope for this due to the federal government's tight financial situation. Switzerland should therefore not participate in the current period of the program, which runs until the end of 2027.
A year ago, the National Council and Council of States sent out a clear signal in favor of joining Copernicus and adopted a corresponding motion without discussion. In contrast to most other European countries, Switzerland does not have its own earth observation program, explained National Councillor Marco Romano (centre/TI) in his motion. Universities and the software industry have been calling for this for years.
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