Executive Summary

The cantons of Bern and Solothurn have resolved their differences regarding the planned Emmepark Landshut logistics hub and concluded an agreement. The Federal Council approved the project on May 20, 2026 in the spatial planning directive of Canton Bern. The site in Utzenstorf is to house large warehouses for Digitec/Galaxus and Swiss Post. The cantons agreed on a distribution of heavy traffic: 40 percent via Solothurn, 60 percent via Bern. Additionally, the southern portion of the site is being removed from the spatial planning directive.

Persons

  • Federal Council (collective body; decision-maker)

Topics

  • Spatial planning
  • Logistics and infrastructure
  • Federalism and cantonal coordination

Clarus Lead

The settlement procedure between Bern and Solothurn marks a turning point in Swiss spatial planning practice: it was the first time that two cantons went through such a formalized conflict resolution procedure. The agreement signals that major logistics projects with regional impacts can be resolved through structured negotiation and compromise – a model for future inter-cantonal tensions over infrastructure projects. Rail usage as alternative transport becomes a condition for managing traffic loads.

Detailed Summary

The Emmepark Landshut logistics hub is located in the municipality of Utzenstorf (Canton of Bern) and is intended to serve as a transshipment point for goods transport by Digitec/Galaxus and Swiss Post. The planned warehouses will generate considerable volumes of heavy traffic, which can be handled via two possible access routes: via Utzenstorf (Bern) or via Gerlafingen (Solothurn).

Solothurn rejected the project in Canton Bern's 2025 spatial planning directive, as there were concerns that heavy traffic would flow disproportionately via Gerlafingen. The Federal Council subsequently ordered a settlement procedure – a legal instrument of the Spatial Planning Act that had never previously been applied between two cantons. The agreement now reached stipulates that 40 percent of trips will occur via Solothurn territory and 60 percent via Bernese territory. In parallel, the railway is to assume goods transport where possible to reduce road congestion. Bern is also foregoing development of the southern area, thereby limiting the overall size of the logistics hub.

Key Statements

  • First-time application of a federal settlement procedure between two cantons demonstrates the functionality of spatial planning legislation
  • Traffic distribution (40/60 rule) and rail usage as central compromise elements for conflict resolution
  • Reduction of the logistics hub (foregoing the southern area) as a concession by Canton Bern to Solothurn

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Data Quality: Is the 40/60 traffic distribution based on traffic modeling, or was it negotiated politically? What forecasts exist for actual trip numbers?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: What economic incentives do Digitec/Galaxus and Swiss Post have in site selection? Do they benefit more from the Bern side?

  3. Causality/Alternatives: Would a complete rail solution (without heavy traffic) have avoided the conflicts? Why was this approach not prioritized?

  4. Feasibility: How will compliance with the 40/60 rule be monitored and sanctioned? What consequences threaten if exceeded?

  5. Side Effects: What impact does foregoing the southern area have on the profitability and scalability of the logistics hub?

  6. Source Validity: Were local municipalities (Utzenstorf, Gerlafingen) involved in the settlement procedure, or only the cantons?

Bibliography

Primary Source: Federal Council Communication – Emmepark Landshut Logistics Hub Approved – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/33f4f0slMbqy8B8AA0ORh

Verification Status: ✓ 20.05.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 20.05.2026