Switzerland and Italy have begun joint border patrols following a deal signed more than two years ago aimed at combatting illegal immigration between the two neighbouring countries.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch with ATS-SDA; ug
The Federal Tax Administration said on Monday that mixed patrols involving Swiss and Italian border guards and police forces had completed several months of training and were now operational along the border between canton Ticino in southern Switzerland and the Italian provinces of Como and Varese in northern Italy.
Under the cooperation deal, when on active service in the neighbouring country the Italian and Swiss guards will have slightly limited powers compared to normal.
Their role will involve assisting, advising and informing their colleagues.
The joint border patrols are part of an accord on police and border guard cooperation signed by the Swiss and Italian governments in November 2016.
Illegal immigration, notably by refugees from Africa, have regularly caused tensions between the two countries in the past.
In a diplomatic incident, the Swiss ambassador to Rome was summoned by the Italian foreign ministry in April 2017 following the night-time closure of three border crossings with Italy in an apparent effort to combat crime.
More
More
Demographics
Switzerland: border controls not enough to curb irregular migration
This content was published on
Switzerland’s migration agency says scaling up border controls is not enough to completely prevent irregular migration.
Swiss foreign minister praises improved relations with Italy
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis expressed his satisfaction on Tuesday with the good relations that Switzerland has developed with Italy.
Boating and swimming to be banned on part of River Aare in Bern
This content was published on
From September, the city and canton of Bern will be carrying out extensive construction work on the River Aare to protect against flooding and to renovate the Marzili outdoor pool.
Moutier: foreigners familiarise themselves with right to vote
This content was published on
From 2026, Moutier will be part of the Swiss canton of Jura, gaining more than 1,000 new voters. On Monday around 50 people were informed about their new rights.
Switzerland ‘more than ready’ to host Ukraine summit
This content was published on
Switzerland is more than ready to host a summit between Russia and Ukraine, says Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, highlighting Switzerland's expertise in this area.
This content was published on
Every second aircraft at Zurich Airport took off late this summer. However, the situation has already improved significantly compared to last year.
Swiss union federation demands average wage increase of 2%
This content was published on
The employees' umbrella organisation Travailsuisse is demanding an average wage increase of two percent for all employees in the coming year. This would cover the rising cost of living and make up for wage shortfalls in recent years.
‘Dr Pump’ sentenced for administering unauthorised substances
This content was published on
A Bern Regional Court has found the Solothurn doctor known as "Dr Pump" guilty of offences against the Sports Promotion Law. The man had administered unauthorised substances to patients.
This content was published on
Volunteering can have a positive effect on mental health. According to a survey conducted in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, people who volunteer for others also strengthen themselves.
This content was published on
Twint is being used more and more frequently to make purchases at the till or transfer money to friends using a smartphone. By the middle of the year, the payment app already had more than six million users in Switzerland.
This content was published on
The meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin should take place in Europe, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. He is calling for it to be held in Geneva.
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
Switzerland scraps plan to increase border guards
This content was published on
Cabinet has decided not to increase the number of Swiss border guards, going back on a plan it originally announced two years ago, SRF has reported.
Swiss politician guilty of helping illegal immigrants
This content was published on
In a statement released on Thursday, the prosecutor said Mirra was guilty of violating the Swiss law on foreigners, and handed her an 80-day fine suspended for two years. The member of the Social Democratic party and her accomplice were intercepted by border guards in September 2016 while transporting four migrants of African origin in…
Swiss border guard found guilty in case of Syrian stillbirth
This content was published on
A Swiss border guard has been found guilty of negligence involving the stillbirth of a Syrian refugee woman whom he was escorting to Italy in 2014.
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.