The Schengen association agreement

The Dublin association agreement

The Dublin association agreement of 2004 between Switzerland and the EU ensures that asylum seekers can make only one application for asylum within the Dublin area. The Dublin criteria establish which country is responsible for dealing with an asylum application and thus ensure a more even distribution and sharing of burdens. This system also prevents asylum seekers from being referred from one country to another. The electronic fingerprint database Eurodac makes it possible to identify persons who make more than one application and to direct them to the country responsible for their case.

The Schengen/Dublin association agreement enables Switzerland to take part in European security and asylum cooperation. Switzerland has a right to participate in decision-shaping but not a formal right to participate in decision-making in the further development of Schengen/Dublin law. Switzerland decides autonomously whether or not to adopt a new legal provision. In the event of non-adoption, the EU and Switzerland are required to seek pragmatic solutions. Ultimately, non-adoption of a development could lead to the termination of the agreement.

With its participation in Schengen/Dublin cooperation, Switzerland has access to important instruments for fighting international crime and illegal migration. Schengen allows an easier flow of border-crossing traffic, because individual controls of persons merely crossing borders have now been eliminated. As a tourist destination, Switzerland will also benefit from the introduction of the Schengen visa. Tourists from growth markets such as China, India and Russia requiring visas to the Schengen Area are now able to travel to Switzerland on the same visa. Dublin coordination also prevents multiple and abusive asylum applications, thus reducing pressure on the asylum system.

• Date of signing: 26 October 2004 (in the framework of Bilateral Agreements II)
• Approval by the people: 5 June 2005 (54.6% in favour)

• Entry into force: formally: 1 March 2008; operationally: 12 December 2008 (End of internal controls at Swiss airports on 29 March 2009).

_{Status DecembeJune 2012}

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