Swiss government wants to ease border controls at airports; families in Switzerland will see their childcare costs drop; and more news in our Friday roundup.
Switzerland wants to ease border controls at airports
In a letter it sent to the European Commission, Switzerland, along with eight other countries, is calling on the EU to temporarily ease border controls at airports.
Specifically, Bern wants to extend the suspension of the Entry and Exit System (EES) to avoid waiting times of up to two hours.
Due to longer processing times, “infrastructure overload can occur briefly in exceptional situations,” said a spokesperson for the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), explaining why this measure should be enacted during the peak travel season.
READ MORE: Europe’s EES border checks won’t be suspended, EU insists
Families in Switzerland will see their childcare costs drop
Childcare costs are high in Switzerland, but financial relief is on the way.
Starting in 2030, parents will receive – in addition to family and education allowances – a childcare allowance for their children under 8 years of age.
This will amount to at least 100 francs per month for one day per week in a childcare facility, whether private or public.
On top of that amount, families will receive an additional 50 francs for each extra half-day.
In total, the amount could therefore reach 500 francs if the child is placed in daycare all week.
MPs want Zurich to give all 18-year-olds international rail tickets
Deputies from Green and Social Democratic parties are asking Zurich’s municipal council to give all city residents an Interrail ticket for their 18th birthday.
The goal of this move is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging young people to travel internationally by train instead of flying.
“Positive travel experiences by train encourage a willingness to continue relying on trains later in life,” the motion states.
Even though this gesture would cost the city nearly 1 million francs each year, the city council has said it will examine the proposal.
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