News

Switzerland and the EU open talks on a new agreement

On 18 March 2024, Switzerland and the European Union (EU) began fresh talks on an agreement to govern Swiss-EU relations. There has been a protracted period of uncertainty since the Federal Council unilaterally abandoned negotiations with the EU on a new framework agreement three years ago. Following an arduous series of exploratory talks aimed at picking up the pieces, Switzerland and the EU now have a basis to resume formal negotiations. The aim is to complete these negotiations by the end of this year. The process will be anything but easy with many issues still unresolved, said President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd as the negotiations began. An agreement on relations with the neighbouring EU is of great importance to Switzerland not only regarding the free movement of people and goods, but also in terms of science and research. (MUL)

Gantrisch Nature Park is very dark

Gantrisch Nature Park, which is roughly situated in a triangle between the cities of Berne, Fribourg and Thun, received the “Dark Sky Park” certification in March from Dark Sky International. It is now the first and only area in Switzerland to have been certified for its night-time darkness. The Gantrisch Dark Sky Zone is the protected dark heart of the nature park, covering 100 square kilometres. Gantrisch project manager Nicole Dahinden called the certification a “big deal”, while Lydia Plüss of the Gantrisch promotional association said it was a pat on the back for all those who “help to preserve our nightscape”. The Gantrisch area is a key stopping-off point for migrating birds – who also rely on night-time darkness, just like amphibians, insects and other nocturnal creatures. “Swiss Review” covered the Gantrisch project back in 2019: revue.link/night (MUL)