Switzerland has launched a public consultation on revising the legal framework that governs its participation in the EU’s Border Management and Visa Policy Financial Instrument (IGFV). The move follows an EU overhaul of the instrument’s financial regulations aimed at preventing fraud, money-laundering and terrorist financing in projects that strengthen the external Schengen frontier. Announced on 11 November 2026, the Swiss proposal would add new reporting duties to the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act, enabling authorities to collect and transmit information on any entity linked to IGFV funds that is suspected of serious financial crime. Bern emphasises that no such offences have yet been detected in Switzerland, but alignment with the updated EU rulebook is necessary to keep access to roughly CHF 300 million in co-financing for border-security projects between 2021 and 2027. For multinationals that rely on Swiss airports and land borders, the consultation signals continued investment in modern control infrastructure—from biometric e-gates to advanced data-sharing platforms—without jeopardising Schengen membership. At the same time, companies involved in border-related services will face stricter due-diligence and disclosure obligations if they bid for IGFV-funded contracts. Stakeholders have until 25 February 2027 to comment. The Federal Council aims to submit a final draft to Parliament later next year so the changes enter into force before the next IGFV programming period. Businesses should review their compliance programmes early, as Swiss authorities will gain explicit power to exchange sensitive data with Brussels once the law is amended.
