Let us recall: these proposals were supported by 54.6% of Swiss voters, who showed considerable activity (they usually prefer to vote by mail): 56% of the eligible population took part in the referendum. The result of the current referendum is also impressive. Of the 26 Swiss cantons, only 9, where the German-speaking rural population predominates, voted against.
Currently, 13 countries are part of the Schengen Agreement, which actually abolishes internal borders (outside its area, only Great Britain and Ireland remain from the 'old' EU states). In early 2008, Switzerland is to become, along with Norway and Iceland, the third country 'outside' the Union to enter this zone. As is known, the Schengen arrangements have been in effect since 1995, and they not only made life significantly easier for travelers within the EU's external borders but also accelerated its economic integration by freeing goods from customs control. The latter, however, does not apply to Switzerland, since it is not a member of the European Economic Area.
Bern signed bilateral agreements with Brussels on the Schengen and Dublin agreements last year. Despite the importance of expanding the single visa-free space in Europe, one should not underestimate the decision to join the EU in the joint fight against organized crime, as well as the provision of asylum in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Dublin document. Especially since Switzerland accounts for up to 20% of all asylum requests in Western Europe. Now, if an applicant for this right is refused in one of the 25 EU countries, he will not be able to repeat his attempt in the Alpine confederation.
It is no coincidence that Brussels highly appreciates the results of this poll. As stated in a joint communiqué by European Commission members Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Franco Frattini, "the ratification of this association agreement is an important step in relations between Switzerland and the European Union. On the one hand, freedom of movement will obviously be facilitated; on the other, cooperation in ensuring internal security will be strengthened."
The country's leadership also expressed satisfaction with the positive results of the vote. Its government emphasized that effective fight against threats such as terrorism, cross-border organized crime and illegal immigration is impossible without joint coordinated actions with neighbors.
Paradoxically, the success is celebrated not only by Swiss 'Euro-enthusiasts', but also by local 'Euro-skeptics', who oppose joining the Union, but support the development of bilateral relations in various areas, after the 1992 referendum rejected entry into the European Economic Area. Meanwhile, nationalist-minded right-wing politicians express their disagreement with this pragmatic approach, believing that any expansion of ties with the EU means a camouflaged attempt to draw Switzerland into this association. Before the referendum held on June 5, they tried in vain to frighten the public with mass immigration from the East, which supposedly would descend on their prosperous country. To what extent will they be able to use this scarecrow on September 25, when the Swiss must again go to the polls, this time to extend the Schengen and Dublin agreements to 10 new Union countries?
Be that as it may, the majority of Swiss residents with their recent position have generated a considerable dose of optimism and hope among those in the EU who, after the negative results of referendums in France and the Netherlands, spoke of a crisis in this association and almost of its imminent collapse. After all, the Swiss 'yes' actually changes the external borders of the Union, eliminating a vast barrier in the center of Europe to the free movement of people. The opinion of her compatriots - supporters of joining Schengen - was succinctly expressed, in particular, by 'Miss Switzerland' Fiona Left: "We are in the middle of Europe, so why not open up to it?"