The cantonal governments are the highest executive authorities of the cantons, and represent them to the outside world. With a view to ensuring better safeguarding of cantonal interests in federal policy, in 1993 the cantons established the Conference of Cantonal Governments (CCG). The CCG promotes cooperation among the cantons within their areas of responsibility and ensures the necessary coordination and briefing of the cantons in federal affairs with cantonal relevance.
Areas of responsibility of the CCG:
- Renewal and development of federalism
- Allocation of tasks between the Confederation and the cantons
- Shaping opinion and decision-making procedures at federal level
- Implementation of federal tasks by the cantons
- Foreign and integration policy
The CCG provides the 26 cantonal governments with a means of targeted and concerted intervention on these issues at federal level. By presenting a united front, the cantonal governments can strengthen the position of the cantons at federal level.
The Secretariat, which is the administrative body of the CCG, is based in Berne and has been run by the ch Foundation on the CCG's behalf since the latter was established. The Secretariat makes the arrangements for the meetings of the political bodies and implements their decisions.