Author: news.admin.ch
Executive Summary
On 18 February 2026, the Swiss Federal Council opened a consultation on the national Eurodac Regulation. This regulates the implementation of the EU migration and asylum pact and expands the European database to include biometric data, facial images, and travel document information. Switzerland, as a Schengen/Dublin-associated state, is thereby adopting further developments of the Schengen acquis. The new system will be put into operation in two phases starting in June 2026. The consultation runs until 25 May 2026, with entry into force planned before the end of 2026.
Persons
- Federal Council (collectively)
Topics
- Migration and asylum
- Biometric data collection
- Schengen/Dublin cooperation
- Data protection and security
Clarus Lead
The Federal Council is modernizing Swiss migration and asylum policy through the adoption of the expanded EU Eurodac Regulation. The new central database will in future collect not only fingerprints, but also facial images, names, age, nationality, and travel document data. This strengthens control of irregular migration flows and enables security authorities better access for combating terrorism and crime. The consultation until 25 May 2026 allows stakeholder feedback before the planned implementation at the end of 2026.
Detailed Summary
The new Eurodac system significantly expands the existing EU database. While the current version stores only fingerprints of asylum seekers and persons with irregular entries, the modernized system additionally includes biometric facial images and complete travel document data. The scope of application is extended to persons with irregular residence throughout the Schengen area.
Switzerland, as a state associated with Schengen and Dublin, is obligated to adopt further developments of the Schengen acquis. This occurs through a new national Eurodac Regulation that consolidates all relevant aspects of the system in a single legal instrument, thereby increasing legal certainty. Additionally, visa and travel authorization authorities as well as law enforcement authorities gain access to Eurodac data for their tasks.
Implementation occurs in two stages: The first phase begins in June 2026, with already adopted provisions entering into force on 12 June 2026. The second phase regulates the complete national regulation, with consultation running until 25 May 2026. With this structure, coordinated implementation with the revised EU legal bases is ensured.
Key Points
- Switzerland adopts the expanded EU Eurodac Regulation as a Schengen/Dublin-associated state
- The new system collects facial images, names, and travel document data in addition to fingerprints
- Scope of application is extended to persons with irregular residence in the Schengen area
- Visa, travel authorization authorities, and law enforcement authorities gain data access
- Two-phase implementation: Phase 1 from June 2026, national regulation before end of 2026
Critical Questions
Data Quality & Validation: What quality assurance mechanisms are in place for the collected biometric data (facial images, fingerprints), and how are error rates minimized?
Data Protection & Proportionality: Is the collection of facial images and complete travel document data proportionate to the security objectives, or does it represent excessive data collection?
Access Control & Abuse Prevention: What specific control mechanisms prevent unauthorized or improper access by visa, travel authorization authorities, and law enforcement authorities?
Data Protection Impact Assessment: Has a comprehensive data protection impact assessment been conducted, and are its results publicly accessible?
Legal Alternatives: Have less invasive technologies or decentralized systems been evaluated as alternatives to the centralized Eurodac database?
Security Risks & Data Breaches: How is the security of this expanded database ensured against cyberattacks and unauthorized data leaks?
Transparency & Parliamentary Control: Is there sufficient parliamentary debate before entry into force, or is the adoption of EU law treated as a mere compliance measure?
Source List
Primary Source: Federal Council Press Release: Migration and Asylum Pact – Consultation on the National Eurodac Regulation
Verification Status: ✓ 18.02.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 18.02.2026