In Basel on 27-28 May the “Conference on Federalism”

The intersection of Switzerland’s system of power-sharing and dynamism is the theme of the sixth tri- or quadrennial happening expected in the Rhine city

Every three to four years the National Conference on Federalism brings together experts and practitioners from politics, business and public administration to examine Switzerland’s unique system of government.
This is where the current challenges in the division of powers between the Confederation, cantons, municipalities and institutions are discussed.
The objective of the conference is to specify the requirements of federalism in view of the changes in society and to consolidate the interaction.
The National Conference on Federalism 2021 is dedicated to the intersection of “Federalism and Dynamism” and will be held on May 27 and 28 in the host canton of Basel-Stadt.

La città svizzera di Basilea attraversata dal fiume Reno — The Swiss city of Basel crossed by the Rhine River

Alain Berset and Karin Keller-Sutter will open the conference

The two-day conference will be opened by Federal Councillors Alain Berset and Karin Keller-Sutter.
The programme includes high-calibre speakers from all over Europe, interesting workshops, interactive programmes and a festive gala evening with an additional cultural programme.
The Federalism 2021 Conference will conclude with the official award ceremony of the Federalism 2021 Prize.

Switzerland and the “fantastic four” of direct democracy
The Ethics of Competitiveness and the Spirit of Federalism
Waldstätte and the “forest” cantons at the dawn of Switzerland…

First day of the conference: Thursday, 27 May 2021
Location: Congress Center Basel at Messeplatz 21

“Federalism in an extraordinary situation – when dynamism challenges federalism”.
The first day of the conference will focus on the one hand on the special geographical situation of the border regions and on the other hand on the extraordinary situation that Switzerland is trying to manage in the current pandemic situation.
The goal of this first day of the conference is to discuss the opportunities and risks of federalism and to outline a federalism that can withstand dynamism.

Second day of the conference: Friday, 28 May 2021
Location: Theater Basel at Theaterstrasse 7

“The successes of federalism: when federalism fosters dynamism.”
The example of 50 years since the introduction of the right to vote for women will be an opportunity to look back on political decisions and discuss the role played by federalism.
At the same time there will be a debate on the issue of the right to vote for foreigners and the very young, with special attention, in the same context, also to the effects of digitization in the exercise of our political rights.

La sede della multinazionale farmaceutica Roche a Basilea — The headquarters of the multinational pharmaceutical company Roche in Basel

How to participate as a spectator at the Basel event

Registration is via the link provided in your personal invitation letter.
The number of conference participants is limited. Registrations will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participation in the two-day conference program is free of charge. Travel and lodging expenses are the responsibility of the participants.

Swiss Monuments? A “hidden” treasure to be enhanced….
Athenian Democracy? Revive between Glarus and Appenzell…
The Europe of the small States and a federalism barely sketched out…

Un'allegoria dell'approvazione della Costituzione Federale della Confederazione Svizzera del 12 settembre 1848 — An allegory of the approval of the Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation of September 12, 1848

Previous National Conferences on Federalism

– 2017 in Montreux (Vaud)
Theme: “Will Switzerland still be federalist in 50 years?”
– 2014 in Solothurn (Solothurn)
Theme: “What does federalism mean for cohesion and solidarity?”
– 2011 in Mendrisio (Ticino)
Theme: “Federalism and new territorial challenges”.
– 2008 in Baden (Aargau)
Theme: “Swiss federalism is under pressure to improve efficiency: What are the prospects?”
– 2005 in Fribourg (Fribourg)
Theme: “Cooperative Federalism Facing New Challenges.”

The National Conference on Federalism 2021 is organized by the Canton of Basel-Stadt and co-financed by the Canton of Basel-Stadt, the Federal Council, the Council of States, and the Conference of Cantonal Governments (CoC).