Rösti defends federal climate policy (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Federal Council allocates CHF 73 million to address drought and summer heat
• CHF 54 million for farmers, CHF 17.5 million for forests until 2031
• Roundtable by end of October to identify additional support measures

Key facts

• What: Federal allocation of CHF 73 million to mitigate effects of summer 2026 drought
• When: Announced on August 27, 2026 during federal press conference
• Where: Federal level (Federal Council, DATEC)
• Who: Albert Rösti (federal councillor), Lisa Mazzone (Greens president), Jürg Grossen (Green Liberals president)
• Amount: CHF 73 million total (CHF 54 M agriculture + CHF 17.5 M forests)
• Period: Forest funds guaranteed until 2031

The Federal Council is allocating 73 million francs to mitigate the effects of summer drought. This is announced by federal councillor Albert Rösti, head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DATEC), during a press conference in which he responds to criticism over alleged slowness in responding to the heat wave.

In the package of measures, the Government allocates 54 million francs to farmers, as compensation for loss of income caused by drought. An additional credit of 17.5 million finances forests until 2031, reintroducing funds previously cut in the federal savings package. For the rest, the Confederation has tasked a roundtable with offices and experts to identify additional needs by the end of October and propose any further measures.

…

Operational details

For Swiss farmers, the compensation of CHF 54 million represents a concrete recognition of the damages suffered. The Federal Council will communicate details on how to access in the days and weeks following the announcement. The fund is intended to cover direct gain losses caused by drought and heatwave 2026.

For forest owners, the increase of CHF 17.5 million until 2031 supports adaptation interventions. BoscoSvizzero recognized the importance of the step, although it calls for an even greater commitment. These funds are in addition to the 115 million already spent annually by the Confederation on national forest management. Overall, the Confederation is making a significant effort: 3 billion francs a year distributed between climate protection, decarbonization, fossil abandonment, biodiversity and adaptation to climate change.

The allocation for heat stroke 2026 is therefore an additional measure within an already demanding overall climate strategy. Rösti wanted to underline this during the press conference, responding to the accusations of inaction: the Confederation is not inert, but operates within political and economic limits that require compromises. La siccità e l'inflazione climatica influiscono direttamente sul costo della vita nazionale: Food, energy and service prices come under increasing pressure during extended summer seasons.

Climate adaptation as a central challenge

The management of water resources assumes a

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

The upcoming key deadlines are concentrated on two fronts. First: the round table with federal offices and experts must present additional measures by the end of October to address the gaps in the current response — no citizen measures, no specific health support, no general aid to the population beyond the agricultural sector. Second: farmers can await the federal government's official communication on the concrete procedures for accessing the CHF 54 million in compensation. The Swiss Farmers' Union remains the main information channel for the agricultural base.

Regarding the effects on daily life in Switzerland, the CHF 73 million allocated indirectly affects household budgets. Heat waves and drought bring inflationary pressures on food prices, energy, and related services. The CHF 73 million represents a containment measure, but does not resolve the entire economic impact of the prolonged summer season. Price increases, especially in the agro-food sector, directly impact the current spending of Swiss tenants and homeowners.

Monitoring the water situation remains crucial. The federal government has not, for now, declared a drinking water supply crisis. However, Rösti's admission that the duration of the drought was not anticipated suggests the need to strengthen forecasting and adaptation systems. Property owners in Ticino and other affected regions should verify local cantonal ordinances on water restrictions, even though emergency measures are not currently in place at the federal level.

…