EUSPA activities accessible under new EU–Switzerland agreement
The European Union and Swiss Confederation have signed a broad package of agreements strengthening their bilateral cooperation, including provisions enabling Swiss participation in components of the EU Space Programme.
Under the agreement, Switzerland will take part in activities related to the Galileo and European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) components of the EU Space Programme implemented by EUSPA.
The arrangement will allow the Swiss Confederation to participate in and contribute to EUSPA in relation to these programmes. The country will be represented in EUSPA governance structures with observer status: one representative will participate in the Agency’s Administrative Board without voting rights, while another representative will attend the Security Accreditation Board on matters directly related to Switzerland and also without the right to vote.
Opportunities for Swiss Industry and Experts
The agreement is expected to expand cooperation between the EU and Switzerland in the field of satellite navigation and downstream applications.
In practical terms, the participation of the Swiss confederation will open new opportunities for Swiss stakeholders to engage with EUSPA activities. Swiss companies will be able to participate in relevant EUSPA procurements linked to the Galileo and EGNOS components of the EU Space Programme, further strengthening the innovation ecosystem around European satellite navigation services.
In addition, Swiss citizens will be able to apply for vacancies at EUSPA and have the possibility to become second national experts within EUSPA, further enhancing collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of satellite navigation.
“The EUSPA Agreement strengthens cooperation between Switzerland and the European Union in the strategic field of space. By engaging directly with EUSPA, Switzerland builds on its existing cooperation agreement on the European satellite navigation programmes and reinforces the consistent, long-term use and evolution of Galileo and EGNOS as fully operational European systems”, stated Mr. Matthias Faessler, Deputy Head of Political & Official Affairs Division, Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) and EUSPA Administrative Board Member.
Through strengthened cooperation with partner countries, EUSPA continues to support the development of a strong and innovative ecosystem around Europe’s satellite navigation programmes, delivering reliable services and fostering innovation across Europe.
“The participation of the Swiss confederation in activities related to Galileo and EGNOS is a positive development for Europe’s satellite navigation ecosystem. It will open new opportunities for Swiss industry, researchers and experts to engage with EUSPA activities while further strengthening cooperation and innovation across the European space sector,” confirmed EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa.
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