Swiss Support Grows for Funding EU’s Border Police, Poll Shows
Swiss Support Growing for Funding EU’s Frontex, Poll Shows
(Bloomberg) -- The proportion of Swiss people who are prepared to support participation in an expanded European Union border agency, or Frontex, is growing, according to a poll for national broadcaster SRG.
Around 69% of respondents would be willing to increase Frontex financing, up from 63% in a similar poll in March. Meanwhile, the proportion against it decreased from 29% in March to 25% in April. 6% are still undecided. The referendum will be held on May 15.
The poll also notes skepticism has decreased among people that say they don’t trust the government. About 60% of these individuals are now in favor of the expansion of Frontex, which significantly reinforces the existing majority.
The Swiss government and parliament are also in favor of continuing their more than 10-year collaboration with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, which helps Schengen states to control their external borders. A rejection of Frontex would jeopardize Switzerland’s cooperation with so-called Schengen and Dublin states.
Opponents of the expansion argue that because Switzerland contributes to Frontex it’s in part responsible for alleged human rights violations by the agency at Europe’s external borders.
As a result of the expansion, Frontex would receive more funding and staff, and will take on new tasks such as the return of migrants required to leave the Schengen Area. Switzerland’s contribution to the border agency would gradually increase to 61 million francs ($66 million) in 2027 from 24 million francs last year.
Also on the ballot next month:
- Changes to rules regarding organ-donation
- An amendment to the Film Act
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