g) Cooperation with third countries

«Cooperation with third countries in the areas covered by this Regulation, focusing in particular on neighbouring third countries and on those third countries which have been identified through risk analysis as being countries of origin or transit for illegal immigration»

(Art. 3, para. 1, let. g Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 on the European Border and Coast Guard)

Strategic objectives of IBM Strategy III and measures

Strategic objective g1: Promote a statutory framework for visas at European level that facilitates legal travel but prevents illegal migration and threats to national security. Utilise scope for action with regard to visa procedures in order to achieve Switzerland’s migration policy objectives.

Standard measures
	Measures	Authorities	Related objectives	Project launch	Project completion
g1a	Schengen evaluations in the area of visas: Switzerland is to provide two experts for the Schengen evaluations in the area of visas.	SEM	g1 / k3	2024	2028/29
g1b	Visa training programme: Update the current mandatory courses for visa staff at the diplomatic missions abroad and the cantonal partners in view of the introduction of EES, Etias and VIS.	SEM		2024	Q4 2026

Strategic objective g2: Regularly assess the deployment of liaison officers (ALOs, PAs, FOCBS attachés and ILOs) according to priorities and the situation on the ground in order to foster close cooperation with third country authorities and the international liaison network.

Standard measures

Measures

Authorities

Related objectives

Project launch

Project completion

g2a

Information from liaison officers:
The ALO, PA/FOCBS Attaché and ILO mandates include maintenance of the local network and regular situation reports (monthly report, bi-monthly report) as well as situational reporting for developments on the ground.

Integrating these reports into risk analysis is being examined under the reFRONT project.

ALO

PA/Attachés FOCBS

ILO

SEM, FOCBS, fedpol

g2 / c2

2024

2028/29

Strategic objective g3: Conduct migration dialogues with the main countries of origin and transit, and seek to formalise cooperation through agreements or partnerships in order to improve migration management.

Standard measures
	Measures	Authorities	Related objectives	Project launch	Project completion
g3a	Migration agreements and partnerships: Conclude at least two new migration agreements or partnerships by the end of 2028.	SEM		2024	2028/29

Strategic objective g4: Strengthen strategic and operational cooperation with third countries in the areas of read-mission and human trafficking/illegal migration prevention, thereby making a contribution to European integrated border management.