The government is warning that Switzerland’s membership of the Schengen passport free zone could be threatened if an initiative to stop an increase in payments to the EU’s border force, Frontex, is successful.
Under a new payment formula, Switzerland’s contribution will increase from CHF 24m to CHF 61m by 2027 as well as more Swiss border agents posted at EU external borders.
Currently there are only 6 allocated to Frontex – proposals suggest that should rise to 40.
Campaigners against the expansion say there’s no democratic control of the EU border force and Frontex violates the fundamental rights of people seeking protection.
But Bern says if the vote is successful, Switzerland’s participation in Schengen would end – unless the other countries unanimously agree to allow it to remain within 90 days.
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