Federal Councillor Beat Jans at the EPA Conference in Dublin

Switzerland has joined the European Ports Alliance (EPA), thereby strengthening its international cooperation in the fight against drug smuggling and organized crime. The official accession took place during the Third Ministerial Meeting of the European Ports Alliance, attended by Federal Councillor Beat Jans. He was accompanied by Roland Blessinger, a member of the management of the Swiss Rhine Ports. Also present was Jenny Piaget, the Swiss Ambassador to Ireland.

The European Ports Alliance was initiated by the European Commission to enhance security in European ports. The focus is on the exchange of information, close collaboration between authorities, port operators, and businesses, as well as the joint fight against cross-border crime. With Switzerland’s accession, international networking along important logistics and transport corridors will be further expanded.

Following the ministerial meeting, the Swiss delegation visited the Port of Dublin. There, participants gained insight into the work of specialized units responsible for combating drug smuggling. State-of-the-art technologies and specialized resources such as container scanners, drone systems, diver teams, service dogs, and helicopters are employed. The measures presented highlighted the high importance of technology and coordination in securing international goods flows.

Several key insights emerged from the discussions and visits. Mutual trust between authorities, ports, and business partners is considered a crucial success factor. Equally important are short decision-making processes and rapid action in cases of suspicion to detect and prevent criminal activities at an early stage.

Particular attention was also given to the role of digitalization. The intelligent use of existing data sets and digital systems opens up new possibilities for identifying security risks more quickly while simultaneously increasing the efficiency of logistical processes. Data-based analyses, modern surveillance technologies, and interconnected information systems are becoming increasingly significant.

This topic is particularly relevant for inland navigation and the work of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR). A resilient, robust, and cyber-secure digital infrastructure is considered an essential prerequisite for safe and efficient transport chains on European waterways. Under the current Swiss CCNR presidency, the further development of digital security standards is to be advanced in collaboration with international partners.

With its accession to the European Ports Alliance, Switzerland underscores its commitment to actively contribute to the security of European logistics and transport networks. The increasing digitalization, international cooperation, and targeted information exchange are seen as central components in effectively addressing the challenges posed by organized crime and drug smuggling.

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