Switzerland is ready to help prosecute war crimes in Ukraine
Swiss justice minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider took part in the EU justice and home affairs council (JHA) meeting in Logroño, Spain.
Keystone / Raquel Manzanares
Swiss justice minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider discussed the war in Ukraine with her European Union (EU) counterparts, saying that Switzerland is “determined to prosecute war crimes and to provide support to partner authorities or the International Criminal Court (ICC).”
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA / sp
Baume-Schneider took part in the informal EU justice and home affairs (JHA) meeting in Logroño, Spain, on Thursday, discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, along with other security issues like organised crime and mass migration.
The ministers discussed how the war in Ukraine threatens European internal security, in terms of border security, illicit arms trafficking, violent extremism, human trafficking and war crimes. The EU initiated a dialogue with Ukraine in September 2022 to take concrete measures, and Switzerland does not want to be outdone. The Alpine nation is determined to prosecute any war crimes and to provide support to international partner authorities or to the International Criminal Court.
During the meeting, migration and lodging asylum seekers were also discussed. The regulation on crisis management provides for more flexibility for member states and solidarity measures in exceptional situations. Baume-Schneider said that the regulation is only partly binding for Switzerland and that “it should only be possible to deviate from the rules when necessary”.
EU ministers also discussed some measures to combat cyber-crime, including the creation of a legal basis for authorities to access data from electronic communication services. Once more, Swiss justice minister made it clear that Switzerland was ready to contribute to the search for solutions.
Finally, Baume-Schneider conducted some bilateral talks with Greek minister, Dimitrios Kairidis, about migration in the Aegean Sea and with Frontex Executive, Hans Leijtens, about combatting cross-border crime.
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.
Swiss justice minister visits refugees in Poland and Slovakia
This content was published on
Elisabeth Baume-Schneider has visited Poland and Slovakia, two countries that have taken in large numbers of refugees from neighbouring Ukraine.
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.