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.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
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The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
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A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
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The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
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Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
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Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
TradeXBank to resume full operations after Sberbank Switzerland taken off sanctions list
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TradeXBank, the former Swiss branch of Russia’s Sberbank, will be able to resume its dollar-denominated activities from the second half of this year.
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Swiss should be ‘better integrated’ in EU info exchange
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European justice and interior ministers met Friday to discuss improved information exchange and compatibility in the interest of tightened security.
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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…
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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.