European Criminal Cooperation and Switzerland

Criminal Cooperation with Europe

Although Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, it participates in several European criminal cooperation mechanisms through bilateral agreements.

The Schengen Agreements

Switzerland's association with the Schengen area (since 2008) has significant implications for criminal matters:

1. Access to the Schengen Information System (SIS) for searching for persons and objects
2. Enhanced police cooperation (cross-border surveillance, cross-border pursuit)
3. Simplified mutual legal assistance

The Council of Europe Mutual Assistance Convention

Switzerland is a party to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (ECMA, 1959) and its additional protocols, which facilitate cooperation with Council of Europe member states.

Eurojust

Switzerland has concluded a cooperation agreement with Eurojust, the EU agency for judicial cooperation in criminal matters. This agreement enables information exchange and coordination of cross-border investigations.

Europol

Switzerland cooperates with Europol (the European police agency) in combating organised crime, terrorism and other serious forms of crime. A Swiss liaison officer is seconded to Europol in The Hague.

The European Arrest Warrant

The European Arrest Warrant (EAW) does not apply directly to Switzerland. Extradition requests between Switzerland and EU states follow the standard IMAC procedure and bilateral treaties.

Joint Investigation Teams

Switzerland may participate in joint investigation teams (JITs) with EU member states for complex cross-border investigations.