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Publication of the Report by the Forward Planning Staff
of the Federal Administration
Challenges and Consequences for Federal
Policy
The Swiss Confederation faces major challenges in
virtually all areas of policy, not least on account of globalisation. The
on-going process of European integration, in particular, will have clear
repercussions. These are the findings of "Challenges 2003 – 2007: Trends and
Possible Future Issues in Federal Policy", a report compiled by the Forward
Planning Staff of the Federal Administration on behalf of the Federal Council
which has now been published. In addition to this 200-page document the Federal
Chancellery has also published a summarised version (brochure and Internet)
designed to be more accessible to the
public.
The report concludes that the further consolidation of
European policy and the question as to how new and urgent tasks can be financed
in light of the strained budgetary situation are core issues that affect nearly
all areas of policy. Indeed, Swiss institutions will be even harder pressed to
reach consensus-based solutions when faced with major political problems and to
ensure the regional and social cohesion of the
country.
In addition, Switzerland will have to adjust its
responses to expected challenges to more of a long-term, generation-spanning
approach. The three principles of precaution, causality (polluter-pays) and
liability are pivotal in this respect. In terms of relations between the state,
business and society (at both national and international level), a long-term
balance will have to be found between rights and obligations, between
responsibility and the safeguarding of interests and between autonomy and
cooperation. Overall, it will be more important for Switzerland to develop a
vision of its future role and identity and to be actively involved on the
international stage.
A mine of information for the Federal Council and the
Cantons
The report contains a wealth of information on the
issues and challenges to which the Confederation will have to respond. The
200-page document brings together a series of sectoral studies conducted by the
Federal Administration to present a comprehensive overview of the effects of
globalisation on all areas of policy. It also forms the basis for the 2003 -
2007 legislature programme, which the Federal Council will be discussing for the
first time in a special session on 29th January
2003.
The report is also a useful source of information for
members of the public wishing to form a view on measures and reforms of federal
policy given the constantly changing international environment. For the cantons,
the report will form a basis for reflection in their preparation for discussions
with a delegation from the Federal Council set to take place in November 2003.
Federal Administration Think Tank
The Forward Planning Staff has the task of analysing
federal policy in a critical and constructive manner with regard to future
challenges. Its work is coordinated by the Federal Chancellery in close
cooperation with the departments. The publication of "Challenges 2003-2007:
Trends and Possible Future Issues in Federal Policy" marks the completion of yet
another report produced by the Federal Administration's think
tank.
Bern, 23rd January 2003
SWISS FEDERAL CHANCELLERY
Information und
Communications
For further information:
André Nietlisbach, Federal Chancellery, Strategy and Planning, Tel.
031 - 322 38 90
Report and brochures (German, French, Italian and English) can
be obtained from:
Swiss Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics (SFBL), CH - 3003
Bern
Tel: 031 - 325 50 50; Fax: 031 - 325 50 58; E-Mail: Verkauf.zivil@bbl.admin.ch
Online-Shop:
www.bundespublikationen.ch
PDF format on the Internet: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/cf/rg/#div
Brochure on the Internet:http://www.admin.ch/ch/e/cf/herausforderungen/index.html
