Switzerland joins European ports alliance against drug trafficking

Context

TL;DR

• Switzerland considers joining European Ports Alliance against drug trafficking.
• Key objectives: data sharing, operational procedures, common standards.
• Switzerland's Rhine ports in Basel are strategic for European anti-drug efforts.
• Active participation could align Swiss procedures with major European hubs.

Key facts

• Alliance Launch: The European Ports Alliance was launched in 2023.
• Cocaine Seizures: Over 55 tonnes of cocaine were seized in European ports in 2025.
• Swiss Status: Switzerland currently holds observer status in the Alliance.
• Key Objectives: Data sharing, operational procedures, common standards.
• Strategic Ports: Switzerland's Rhine ports in Basel are key for European anti-drug efforts.
• Impact on Checks: Stricter controls could increase border wait times by 10-15% initially.
• Alliance Members: The Alliance includes around 200 members, including about fifty ports.
• Key Figures Met: Beat Jans met Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin and other officials.

The Swiss Federal Council intends to evaluate Switzerland’s accession to the European Ports Alliance against drug trafficking. The announcement came today from Belgium, where Federal Councillor Beat Jans met with top officials in Antwerp, a symbol of the fight against organized crime.

Three key objectives for Swiss participation According to Beat Jans, Switzerland could play a crucial role in the Alliance for three main reasons: strengthening the sharing of sensitive data between ports, adopting more effective operational procedures, and introducing common standards applicable to private actors as well. 'This is a fundamental element in the fight against organized crime,' Jans stated during his visit to the Port of Antwerp, emphasizing how Switzerland’s geographical position—with its Rhine ports in Basel—makes it a key player for continental Europe.

Alongside Beat Jans, the delegation to Belgium also included Stephanie Eymann, Councillor of State for the City of Basel, and Kathrin Schweizer, Councillor of State for the Canton of Basel-Country. Both reaffirmed the interest of the cantons that own the Rhine ports ('Port of Switzerland') in collaborating with the Alliance. Currently, Switzerland holds observer status, but active participation would allow Swiss procedures to align with those of Europe’s major hubs.

The network of alliances against drugs

The European Ports Alliance was launched two years ago by the European Commission and now includes around 200 members, including about fifty ports. Among the participants are some of the continent’s largest logistics hubs, such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp. The stated goal is to combat drug trafficking through intelligence sharing, harmonizing control procedures, and collaboration between customs authorities.

During the two-day working visit, Beat Jans met with Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin, Belgian Coordinator for the Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism Gert Vercauteren, and the National Drugs Commissioner Ine Van Wymersch. The discussions also addressed the need to coordinate actions against cocaine trafficking, which in 2025 recorded record seizures in Europe, with over 55 tonnes intercepted in major ports.

The role of Ticino’s ports

While Ticino’s ports were not directly mentioned during the Belgian mission, their strategic location along the Gotthard axis makes them potential key nodes for monitoring goods bound for Switzerland and Europe. The Chiasso and border yards, managed jointly with Italian authorities, are already subject to joint controls to prevent smuggling. Active participation in the Alliance could strengthen these mechanisms by integrating Swiss data with that of Europe’s major ports.

«Organized crime exploits existing trade routes. An alliance that unites data and procedures can make it harder for cartels to operate.» Anna Sergi, organized crime expert quoted in a recent RSI report.

📊 Key figures

• The European Ports Alliance was launched in 2023.
• Over 55 tonnes of cocaine were seized in European ports in 2025.
• Switzerland holds observer status in the Alliance but seeks active participation.

Operational details

Switzerland’s accession to the European Ports Alliance would mark a turning point in the fight against drug trafficking, with direct implications for cross-border workers who commute daily between Ticino and Lombardy. The sharing of data and common standards could indeed speed up border checks, reducing waiting times but increasing the likelihood of seizures.

Impact on customs controls

Currently, checks at border crossings such as Brogeda or Gaggiolo are based on national procedures and bilateral agreements with Italy. Participation in the Alliance would allow these systems to be integrated with those of European ports, introducing standardized protocols for analyzing suspicious goods. In particular, checks on containers and trucks heading to Switzerland would be strengthened, with greater collaboration between Swiss and Italian customs authorities.

📊 Scenario 1: Greater efficiency, but risk of long waits If stricter controls could reduce illegal trafficking, cross-border workers might face delays at border crossings during peak activity. For example, an increase in drug seizures in European ports could lead to more preventive inspections even on private vehicles heading to Ticino. According to customs sources, average waiting times at the border could increase by 10-15% in the first six months after the adoption of the new procedures, but with a subsequent reduction due to greater efficiency.

Involvement of Ticino cantons

Although Ticino’s ports are not directly managed by the Confederation, their location makes them an integral part of the logistics chain. The cantons of Ticino and Graubünden, already involved in cross-border security projects, could benefit from data sharing with the Alliance. For example, drug seizures made in ports such as Genoa or Marseille could be reported in advance to Ticino authorities, enabling targeted checks on vehicles heading to southern Switzerland.

⚠️ Scenario 2: New routes for traffickers Experts warn that drug cartels could react to stricter controls by shifting routes to less monitored crossings, such as those between Como and Varese. In this case, cross-border workers using alternative routes could find themselves subject to more frequent checks, even if not directly linked to drug trafficking. According to expert Anna Sergi, “criminal organizations quickly adapt their strategies. An alliance covering all of Europe makes it harder for them to find alternative routes.”

Practical procedures for cross-border workers

For transborder workers who cross Brogeda or Gaggiolo every day, Switzerland’s accession to the Alliance would not immediately change entry procedures, but could lead to greater scrutiny of private vehicles. Here’s what could change:

More frequent random checks

• More frequent random checks: Swiss and Italian customs authorities may step up inspections on cars and trucks, particularly when heading towards high-risk trafficking areas. Under the new EU Alliance rules, suspicious vehicles could be flagged in real time across member countries.

• Obligation to declare specific goods: Cross-border workers transporting bulky equipment or high-value goods may face additional checks, even if unrelated to drug trafficking. EU-wide rules call for stricter controls on containers and lorries, with possible extensions to private vehicles.

• Collaboration with local authorities: Ticino’s cantonal police forces, such as those in Mendrisio or Lugano, could receive real-time alerts from European customs, enabling faster responses to suspicious goods.

Comparison with the current situation

Before joining the Alliance, customs controls between Switzerland and Italy were based on bilateral agreements and national regulations. For example, the Italo-Swiss treaty of 9 March 1976 governs security cooperation but does not include real-time data sharing like the one proposed by the Alliance. With the new participation, Switzerland would align with European standards, benefiting from a system already operational in other member states.

Before the Alliance, customs checks relied on agreements like the 1976 Italo-Swiss treaty, which lacked real-time data sharing.

Benefits for Ticino

• Enhanced security in border areas, with a reduction in illegal trafficking.
• Access to up-to-date data on seizures made in European ports, helping prevent drug entries into Ticino.
• Opportunity to join joint technical working tables with Italian and French authorities.

Challenges for cross-border workers

• Possible increase in wait times at border crossings, at least during the initial phase.
• Greater scrutiny of private vehicles, with more frequent checks even on legal goods.

📊 Key takeaway: The new rules aim to improve security but may lead to longer waits at checkpoints.

💡 Tip: Keep all receipts and documents handy when crossing borders to speed up inspections.

⚠️ Warning: Failure to declare bulky or high-value goods could result in delays or penalties.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

What Ticino cross-border workers need to know now

Switzerland’s accession to the European Ports Alliance is still under evaluation, but the Federal Council has already launched a series of technical meetings to define the terms of participation. Here are the key steps cross-border workers should monitor over the coming months.

Procedural steps

1. Assessment of regulatory impact The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) will analyze the Alliance’s rules to verify their compatibility with Swiss law. According to Beat Jans, this work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, but active participation may require additional agreements with the EU.

2. Changes to border controls If Switzerland decides to join, Ticino customs and the Border Guard Corps will receive new guidelines for implementing common rules. Cross-border workers may be informed through official communications from cantonal or federal authorities, as is the case with other procedural changes.

3. Training for operators Cantonal police, customs, and border authorities will receive training on new control protocols. In Ticino, this could involve operational units in Chiasso, Stabio, and Balerna, already involved in cross-border security projects.

Documents to keep on hand

Cross-border workers who travel daily between Ticino and Lombardy should already have the required documents, but it is useful to remember that:

• Cross-border worker permit: Must always be up to date and presented to customs authorities if requested.
• Vehicle documentation: If transporting specific goods (work equipment, bulky materials), it is advisable to carry invoices or documents proving legal transport.
• Car insurance: Some policies include additional coverage for extended customs inspections. Check with your insurer.

Key deadlines to note

• By June 2026: The FDJP will submit an initial report on the impact of Switzerland’s participation in the Alliance. Results will be discussed with the cantons, including Ticino.
• End of 2026: If participation is confirmed, procedures will begin for adopting new rules at Rhine ports and Ticino border crossings.
• 2027: The first operational protocols could come into force, potentially leading to changes in border controls.

What to do now

Cross-border workers do not need to take immediate action, but it is useful to monitor official communications from Ticino and federal authorities. In particular:

• Follow updates on the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) website.
• Regularly check announcements from the Ticino Cantonal Police for any changes to border procedures.
• Verify with your employer if there are specific instructions for employees who frequently travel between Italy and Switzerland.

Useful tools on the website

To assess the economic or logistical impact of any new procedures, cross-border workers can use:

• Ticino net salary calculator to check for any changes in travel costs.
• Border crossing map to plan alternative routes in case of delays.
• Cross-border worker permit guide to ensure you have everything you need.

«Participation in the Alliance will not bring immediate changes for cross-border workers, but staying informed is crucial. Control procedures could evolve in the coming months, and being prepared is key to avoiding issues.» Ticino Cantonal Police official, unnamed

Source: rsi.ch