Universal service of the future
Talking about the future
Switzerland has the best postal service in the world. To ensure that this remains the case, Switzerland must redefine the universal postal service of the future. In 2022, discussion about this issue intensified.
What services should Swiss Post provide as part of the universal service from 2030? This is a question that must now be discussed by all stakeholders in Switzerland: politicians, the business community and civil society. At the center of the debate is Swiss Post, its expertise and its almost 175 years of experience.
For Swiss Post, the key points with regard to the future structure of the public service are as follows:
- The public service is geared towards the current and future needs of the general public and companies in Switzerland. From 2030 onwards, it should also include physical and digital services for customers.
- Ensuring the universal service with logistics services has always been the key element of Swiss Post’s public service mandate. However, in light of the changes society is undergoing, the universal service must be developed – to meet the needs of the Swiss people and to remain financially viable. In short, to achieve the best possible social cost-benefit ratio for the universal service. The flow of information and goods must be managed efficiently and sustainably, with the focus on the requirements of customers in both rural and urban regions of Switzerland.
- Whether it’s digital health or e-voting: Swiss Post operates and develops digital platforms and business ecosystems. At their core is secure and simple digital communication, not least in terms of engagement between citizens and the public sector. With its nationwide presence, Swiss Post makes an active contribution to the digital empowerment of the Swiss population.
With the “Swiss Post of tomorrow” strategy, Swiss Post is providing its owner and the Swiss Parliament with the time and latitude needed to define the post-2030 public service with no direct financial pressure. Swiss Post will continue to actively engage in this dialogue. For a strong Switzerland with a strong Swiss Post.
Interview with Christian Levrat and Roberto Cirillo “Swiss Post of tomorrow” strategy swisspost.ch/politics
The political debate has begun
In a report at the beginning of 2022, an expert commission led by former Council of States member Christine Egerszegi set out its ideas for the future role of Swiss Post. While Swiss Post does not agree with all of the measures proposed by the commission, most of the analyses contained in the report are in line with the analysis carried out by Swiss Post in 2019, which served as the basis for the current “Swiss Post of tomorrow” strategy (2021–2024). The political debate for the coming years is therefore now underway.