Switzerland will not be participating in the European Copernicus programme to monitor climate change from 2021 to 2027. The reason for this is the strained state of federal finances, according to the government. Parliament had voted in favour of participation in the satellite programme. Participation would put a further strain on the already tight federal budget, the government said on Wednesday. The possibility of joining the programme from 2028 would be examined during the current period. Switzerland’s participation in Copernicus would require the negotiation of a bilateral agreement with the EU, it said. A large proportion of the data would remain freely accessible, as has been the case to date. A year ago, the House of Representatives and Senate sent a clear signal in favour 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 programme, pointed out ...
