Posted18 avril 2022, 19:56
The Swiss will have to decide on May 15 on the increase in Bern’s contribution to the European corps of border guards. A hot topic with the war in Ukraine.
The development of the Schengen acquis is one of the three subjects of the May 15 votes.
AFP
Of the three objects submitted to the people on May 15, this is undoubtedly the one which at first glance may seem the least interesting but which is nevertheless of capital importance for our country and its security. Indeed, citizens must decide on Switzerland’s contribution to Frontex (or “Development of the Schengen acquis”), ie the European corps of border guards. The subject passed like a letter in the mail to the Chambers and its opponents had every difficulty in obtaining the necessary votes for a referendum. But it has now taken on another dimension in the context of the war in Ukraine. Explanations.
What should we vote on?
The member countries of the Schengen area as well as the signatory countries of the Schengen agreement – including Switzerland – together operate a European border and coast guard agency called “Frontex“. After the 2015 migration crisis due to the war in Syria and Afghanistan, they decided to strengthen the agency. This must increase from 2,000 agents currently to 10,000 by 2027. Its budget must be revised upwards. Switzerland, which has been participating in Frontex since 2011, is therefore also asked to check out. The Swiss contribution will thus increase from 24 million francs today to 61 million francs per year. In addition, Bern will be able to send up to 40 agents once morest 6 currently.
What does Frontex do and what will it do?
Its mission is to control the external borders of the Schengen area and to fight cross-border crime (drug or arms trafficking, trafficking in human beings). It is also she who manages migratory flows. Its reinforcement should make it possible to deploy more personnel in the field. The agency will also have to provide more support to member states when returning asylum seekers. There should also be more observers to check that the fundamental rights of migrants are respected.
Who is challenging Frontex in Switzerland?
A referendum was launched by the association Migrant Solidarity Network as well as associations supporting migrants, with the support of the PS, the Greens and the left. Opponents believe that giving more financial means to Frontex risks increasing violence at the borders. They also accuse the agency of being complicit in human rights abuses and acting as if migration is a danger. According to them, Frontex also participates in illegal returns along the Balkan route and abandons migrants seeking refuge at sea. They also recall that several investigations are underway once morest the agency in this regard. Opponents of Frontex also want to show solidarity with the European Parliament, which froze part of the agency’s budget precisely because it did not respect fundamental rights.
What will happen if the people refuse Frontex?
According to the Federal Council, a no to Frontex is equivalent to rejecting the Schengen agreements. With serious consequences for Switzerland. Indeed, thanks to this agency, police and customs are connected to the information retrieval system of the European Schengen countries (SIS) and can collaborate at any time to track down criminals. If the people refuse to increase their participation, Switzerland would no longer have access to these means which have become essential in the 21st century to fight crime, terrorism and the black market, warns Berne. His safety would therefore be at risk.
In addition, Switzerland would also be bothered in the field of migration. It should re-examine each asylum application rejected by a European country, which risks causing an influx of migrants, warns the Federal Council. Not to mention an inevitable return of border controls and restrictions on moving within the Schengen area. Last but no least: the already strained relations between the EU and Bern are likely to be even more complicated.