Switzerland and France Sign Historic Water Management Accords

New agreements on Rhône River and Lake Geneva management mark milestone in cross-border cooperation amid growing climate change concerns.

Switzerland and France signed two agreements on managing the Rhône River and Lake Geneva
Discussions between the countries began in 2011
Switzerland refused to guarantee fixed river flow thresholds
A new framework commission will oversee 30+ existing water management bodies

14 years

Duration of discussions before agreement

30+

Number of bodies working on Rhône water management

"Switzerland is ready to implement these two agreements rapidly over the coming months"
— Albert Rösti, Swiss Environment Minister

"These agreements mark a new phase in Franco-Swiss cooperation"
— Laurent Saint-Martin, French Minister-Delegate

Historic Water Management Agreement

Switzerland and France signed two agreements on managing the Rhône River and Lake Geneva
Discussions between the countries began in 2011
Switzerland refused to guarantee fixed river flow thresholds
A new framework commission will oversee 30+ existing water management bodies

14 years

Duration of discussions before agreement

30+

Number of bodies working on Rhône water management

"Switzerland is ready to implement these two agreements rapidly over the coming months"
— Albert Rösti, Swiss Environment Minister

"These agreements mark a new phase in Franco-Swiss cooperation"
— Laurent Saint-Martin, French Minister-Delegate