Swiss nuclear waste repository site sparks cross-border discussions

The Nationales Begleitgremium (NBG), an independent body monitoring Germany’s search for a nuclear waste repository, recently held an exchange in Waldshut to discuss the Swiss plan for a deep geological repository near the German border.

The proposed Swiss site, “Nördlich Lägern,” is located only a few kilometers from German municipalities such as Hohentengen. Because the site is so close to the border, German officials and local citizens are seeking ways to participate in the process and ensure their concerns are addressed.

During the visit, NBG Co-Chair Marion Durst emphasized that transparency and genuine opportunities for public participation are essential for building regional trust. Local leaders, including Waldshut District Administrator Dr. Martin Kistler, noted that the impact of the Swiss repository extends beyond national borders, affecting residents on both sides of the Rhine.

While the Swiss selection process is considered fair and transparent by the NBG, local German citizen initiatives, such as “Nördlich Lägern ohne Tiefenlager” (LoTi), have expressed significant concern regarding the proximity of the facility to German communities.