Switzerland is moving to deepen its cooperation with Germany on border security and cross-border policing, following a meeting between Swiss Federal Councillor Beat Jans and German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt in Chiasso.

The two ministers met on August 31, 2026, to discuss security along the Swiss-German border and ways of improving cooperation between police and customs authorities. They agreed to examine several options for strengthening joint operations.

Possible new police and customs centre

One option under consideration is the creation of a Cross-Border Police and Customs Cooperation Centre, known as a CCPD, along the German-Swiss border.

Such a facility could provide a more structured mechanism for authorities from both countries to exchange information and coordinate responses to cross-border crime and security concerns.

Another possibility discussed by the ministers is expanding the existing liaison office in Basel. Swiss authorities said both alternatives will now be examined in greater detail before a final decision is made.

Cooperation aimed at improving border security

The meeting reflects growing attention to security cooperation between European neighbours, particularly where criminal activity and policing operations cross national boundaries.

Switzerland’s Federal Council has separately been examining ways to strengthen police and customs cooperation with Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein, including the possibility of establishing additional cooperation centres.

The Swiss government says closer coordination can help authorities respond more effectively to security challenges while improving the exchange of relevant information.

Digital and European security cooperation

Switzerland is also preparing to expand cooperation with European security systems.

The Federal Council has authorised negotiations with the European Commission over Swiss participation in the European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS). The system is designed to facilitate the exchange of criminal-record information between participating European countries.

In addition, Switzerland has approved changes allowing new categories of alerts involving third-country nationals to be entered into the Schengen Information System from October 2026, following proposals from Europol and Swiss review.

Focus on coordinated action

The latest discussions with Germany therefore form part of a broader Swiss effort to strengthen international security cooperation.

For Switzerland, improving coordination with neighbouring countries is particularly important because people, goods and economic activity move across its borders every day.

The planned review of possible joint police and customs centres could eventually provide a more permanent framework for cooperation between Swiss and German authorities.

The two governments will now continue assessing the available options before deciding how the proposed arrangements should be implemented.