The decision about a potential repository will be taken by Switzerland as a whole, however, early in the process the directly impacted regions will be able to consider how they will be able to develop in a sustainable manner despite the existence of a deep geological repository. Regional Conferences has been created in five siting regions to this end. The main regional interests are represented in these bodies. A Regional Conference is composed of delegates drawn from political groups, the economy, trade and commerce, organisations and citizens.

The Regional Conferences have to draw up a report or a statement of position for presentation to the siting region communes and to the Swiss Federal Office of Energy dealing with the following questions:

• Which sites could be used for the construction of surface storage facilities?
• What impact will a deep geological repository have on the region?
• If a deep geological repository were built, which projects and measures could be used to promote sustainable development within the region?

The members of each Regional Conference are given the opportunity to acquire the specialist knowledge required for the mandate. Lectures are planned as are visits to the interim storage facility at Würenlingen and to the Mont Terri laboratory. Conference members receive an indemnity and expenses for the work they do in the field of regional participation (e.g., attendance fee).

In each region, the Regional Conference is supported by a business office, which also serves as an initial point of contact for citizens.