After the Council of States (representing the cantons), the National Council (representing the people) endorsed, on 2 March, in a vote of 117 to 54 with 15 abstentions, Switzerland's participation in the new European border surveillance system (Eurosur), which aims to curb illegal immigration and cross-border crime and improve rescues of migrants in distress.
Since late 2013, Eurosur has engaged in operational surveillance of the external land and sea borders of the states parties to the Schengen agreement, including Switzerland.…
Participation in European Asylum Support Office
Switzerland is preparing to participate in the European Asylum Support Office, set up to encourage collaboration at EU level in this field. Following on from the National Council, the Council of States will give the nod of approval to this agreement on 5 March, as its majority supports strengthening of the Dublin system. Switzerland will also benefit from the know-how developed in other states. Here too, a minority of senators will probably reject the measure because they find that participation in the EASO is not sufficiently cost-effective.
