The EU uses funds as instruments for promoting certain EU policies by providing financial support. As part of its association with Schengen, Switzerland participates in the Schengen Funds,each of which has a term of seven years. The previous funds pursued and still pursue (with varying emphasis) the goal of achieving a high level of security in the EU, combating illegal migration and facilitating legitimate tourist travel. Schengen States that incur high costs in protecting the Schengen external borders, because of extensive maritime and/or land borders or heavily frequented air borders (due to major international airports) are supported on a solidarity basis.
The funds are organised to correspond with the term of the EU’s multi-annual financial framework (currently 2021-2027) and subject to the so called shared management. The participating states primarily decide on the use of the funds allocated to them.. They are also responsible for managing these funds appropriately. The objectives and priorities for the use of resources are laid down in operational programmes, which are negotiated at national level between the European Commission (EC) and the participating states and officially approved by the EC.
Last modification 03.08.2022