Reducing bureaucracy: the first step has been taken, more must follow

The Federal Council presented an initial package of concrete relief measures at its meeting on November 26, 2025. Around 28 measures were adopted to ease the burden on companies. In addition, 32 potential projects were identified that would burden the economy in the future and whose implementation should be avoided for the time being.

The measures adopted by the Federal Council represent an important first step towards strengthening the competitiveness of our business location. economiesuisse welcomes the fact that the Federal Council recognizes the need for action and wants to take appropriate measures. It is pleasing that the Federal Council has taken up various proposals from the business community and now intends to implement concrete measures to reduce bureaucracy and ease the burden on companies. This is particularly relevant in view of the current economic pressure.

At the same time, it is positive that all departments are involved in the process. Deregulation must be seen as a shared responsibility of the Federal Council and must not be delegated to SECO alone. The call for a cross-departmental approach was already addressed by economiesuisse at the Federal Council meeting in August.

Different measures from the business community were taken into account

economiesuisse submitted various proposals to the Federal Council for possible measures to reduce bureaucracy. Some of these have now been included in the first package. The package includes various measures in the area of digitalization of official procedures, such as amendments to the Commercial Register Ordinance, facilitating the issuing of electronic identities for companies and the acceptance of electronic signatures in B2G traffic. Consistent digitalization and standardization of all interfaces between business and administration is an important lever for reducing administrative costs. Unfortunately, Switzerland has been asleep in this area over the last ten years. In terms of digitalization in particular, these processes should have been implemented a long time ago and not only initiated in 2025.

Other positive points to highlight include the exemption for companies with high-temperature applications with regard to the CO2 Ordinance, the reduction of duplication in data collection in the energy sector and the simplification of the procedure for applying for short-time work compensation. This addresses key demands from the business community, which must now also be implemented.

Great potential for further relief measures

Reducing bureaucracy is a marathon, not a sprint. There is still considerable potential for further relief measures. A recently published study shows that over CHF 30 billion in bureaucracy costs could be avoided each year if administrative processes were made more efficient and digital. The package adopted by the Federal Council is a first step in the right direction. However, it will not save us 30 billion in bureaucratic costs.

Various other demands from the business community have not yet been taken into account in the first package. For example, the Federal Council has not adopted any measures regarding the incentive tax on volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The business community believes that this should be abolished immediately. Improving the framework conditions must continue to be treated as a priority and further relief measures must be included in the next package of measures. This will require a joint effort by the Federal Council, Parliament and the administration. The business community will continue to contribute constructively with concrete proposals.

Politicians are called upon not to impose any new burdens

It is pleasing that the Federal Council has recognized the seriousness of the situation and acted accordingly. However, the ball is now also in Parliament's court and it must make its contribution. The measures announced will be of little help if politicians decide on new burdens at the same time. The competitiveness of Switzerland as a business location remains under pressure and the need for action remains even with this first package. Parliament is therefore called upon to take the wake-up call seriously and help to ease the burden on companies quickly.