⏱ 2 min read
Background
Today, a cross-border worker who loses a job in Switzerland receives benefits from their country of residence. The European Union (EU) has revised its regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009 on the coordination of social security systems. Switzerland has long feared their effects on unemployment insurance.
The key points
On 12 November 2026, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) announced that Bern had hosted the 29th meeting of the Switzerland-EU Joint Committee on the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP). There, the EU informed Switzerland that the revised regulations have entered into force.
Under this reform, the state of last employment, rather than the state of residence, becomes responsible for paying unemployment benefits. Switzerland stressed the significant changes for cross-border workers. The Federal Council will consider in due course whether to adopt these rules.
The National Council is asking the Federal Council to reject this change. According to 24 heures, however, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) fears retaliation from Brussels in the event of a refusal.
Key figures
- 500 to 800 million francs : additional annual costs estimated by SECO
- 1 billion francs : maximum annual cost cited by 24 heures
- 413 320 : cross-border workers in Switzerland in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Confederation
Who says what
- National Council : it asks the Federal Council to reject the reform.
- SECO : it fears retaliatory measures from the EU.
What's next
- Decision by the Federal Council on whether to adopt the regulations; no date has been set.
Further reading
Sources
- State Secretariat for Migration – 29th meeting of the Switzerland-EU Joint Committee on the free movement of persons in Bern (official source)
- 24 heures – Unemployment of cross-border workers could cost Switzerland up to one billion a year
Let’s share Romandy’s news
We build the news together.
An idea, an opinion, a wish, a detail to add? Tell us!
