The reforms include Switzerland joining a European electronic travel authorisation systemExternal link to prevent people considered security risks from entering the single border area which includes 26 states, mainly from the European Union.
The government also proposes amending Swiss law to continue participation in the Schengen Information SystemExternal link, Europe’s most widely used information sharing for security and border management, notably following the terrorist attacks in several European cities in 2015.
The justice ministry said all member countries must participate in the information exchange to track people wanted in relation to terrorism and other serious crimes, as well as missing persons and stolen vehicles and firearms.
A third accord allows Switzerland to take part in an EU agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems (eu-LISAExternal link).
The government proposals, which will result in additional costs of about CHF32 million ($32 million) until 2020, will be sent to consultation among political parties, cantons and institutions before parliament makes a final decision.
Switzerland formally joined the Schengen group of countries in 2008 following a nationwide vote in 2005.
Efforts to harmonise Swiss laws with international accords, notably with the EU, regularly sparks controversy in the Alpine nation. In May, Swiss voters will have the final say on proposed gun law reforms.
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Switzerland to collect data from non-Schengen visitors
This content was published on
The data of travellers from non-Schengen countries will be automatically recorded at the borders of member countries, also Switzerland.
Swiss air traffic controller in red after year of breakdowns
This content was published on
Swiss air traffic controller Skyguide ended 2024, a year marked by repeated breakdowns, with a loss of almost CHF19 million.
Ex-FIFA boss Blatter declares innocence in appeal trial
This content was published on
Former FIFA boss Joseph 'Sepp' Blatter has opened his defence at a Swiss appeal trial which is hearing allegations of fraud.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss should be ‘better integrated’ in EU info exchange
This content was published on
European justice and interior ministers met Friday to discuss improved information exchange and compatibility in the interest of tightened security.
This content was published on
In an interview with Swiss public radio, SRF, Fabrice Leggeri said that Switzerland could contribute more at a time when EU countries are strengthening their borders. Frontex has just put together a reserve rapid-response unit of 1,500 border control experts. The new intervention group is soon to be put into use, mainly in Italy, where…
This content was published on
According the cabinet, there are currently no laws in place to prevent the departure of a Swiss resident seeking to join a foreign terror group like the Islamic State. “It [the new regulations] will oblige the persons concerned to report regularly to the police station,” said the government statement released on Wednesday. “If this measure…
This content was published on
There is no ‘asylum chaos’ in Switzerland, finds Defence Minister and Swiss People’s Party member Ueli Maurer, voicing an opinion that contradicts many of his colleagues in the conservative right political party.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.