Swiss Senate votes for new immigration tax on EU nationals as part of Bilateral Agreements III
Federal Council commits extra CHF 5.4 million a year for migrant integration from 2028
Italian air-traffic-control strike today disrupts flights to and from Zurich and Geneva
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Gotthard road tunnel closes nightly 28–30 September, triggering long queues on key Swiss-Italian freight and holiday corridor
Switzerland’s Federal Roads Office has shut the Gotthard road tunnel from 20:00–05:00 each night until 30 September for maintenance, causing queues of over seven kilometres and significant delays on the A2. The closure affects a critical freight and holiday corridor linking Germany, Switzerland and Italy; logistics firms face rerouting costs and capacity shortages on alternative routes. Businesses should revise delivery schedules, use rail where possible, or delay departures to avoid SLA breaches.
Swiss Senate backs EU treaty package, paving the way for Bilaterals III
The Swiss Senate has approved the principle of the EU treaty package ("Bilaterals III"), clearing the first parliamentary hurdle for 18 agreements that update free movement, transport and other market-access rules. The move reassures employers who rely on EU talent and transport links, while critics warn of increased immigration and loss of sovereignty. Detailed deliberations continue this week, with a nationwide referendum likely in 2027.
Italian rail strike on 2 October to disrupt Ticino–Lombardy commuter services, warns TILO
TILO has warned that a nationwide Italian rail strike on 2 October could severely curtail services between Ticino and Lombardy, with cancellations likely on the RE80, S10, S40 and S50 lines south of Chiasso. Swiss-only sections will operate normally, but commuters and business travellers are advised to make alternative arrangements or expect delays.
France and Germany keep temporary Schengen border checks in place, extending spot controls on Swiss routes until at least 31 October
European Commission data published on 29 September show that France will keep internal Schengen border controls – including its frontier with Switzerland – until at least 31 October, while Germany’s measures extend into March 2027. The continued spot checks add up to 45 minutes to some road and rail journeys, requiring Swiss companies to pad schedules and ensure staff carry full travel documentation.