Press releases, 10.06.2022

The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2022) being held in Lugano on 4 and 5 July 2022 will focus on the reconstruction of Ukraine. The conference is taking place against the backdrop of heightened international tensions and comprehensive security measures are therefore needed. At its meeting on 10 June 2022, the Federal Council decided that the conference qualifies as an exceptional event. This means that the federal government will contribute to the security costs incurred by the canton of Ticino. The Federal Council also decided to deploy up to 1,600 military personnel on an ancillary basis, with air policing provided by the Swiss Armed Forces.

The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022) is taking place in Lugano from Monday 4 July to Tuesday 5 July 2022. High-level representatives from around 40 countries and 20 international organisations are expected to attend the conference, which will focus on the reconstruction of Ukraine. The conference is taking place against the backdrop of heightened international tensions. This requires a comprehensive security plan involving federal and cantonal police and military personnel to ensure the safety of participants at the event.

Federal government contributing to security costs

Switzerland is required to ensure the safety of persons afforded special protection under international law. At its meeting on 10 June 2022, the Federal Council decided that the conference qualifies as an exceptional event under the Ordinance on the Protection of Persons and Buildings subject to Federal Responsibility. This allows the federal government to contribute to the security costs incurred by the canton of Ticino in discharging its protective responsibilities. The federal government will cover 80% of these costs. The payment will be made by way of a supplementary credit and compensated at the level of the FDJP.

The relevant authorities in the canton of Ticino, i.e. the cantonal police, are responsible for overseeing the operation. Working closely with the Federal Office of Police (fedpol), the DDPS, FOCBS and FIS, the Ticino cantonal police will assess the situation on an ongoing basis prior to the conference and adjust the security plan as necessary. The Ticino cantonal police will be assisted on an ancillary basis by cantonal and federal government police, military personnel and the Swiss Border Guard.

Air policing and deployment of military personnel

At its meeting on 10 June 2022, the Federal Council therefore also authorised the deployment on an ancillary basis of up to 1,600 military personnel to assist the Ticino cantonal authorities, in addition to a temporary airspace restriction. The assistance provided to the Ticino cantonal police by the Armed Forces will include protecting locations and supplying equipment, vehicles, surveillance resources and air transport.
The airspace restriction will be imposed, where required, for a limited period only between 1 and 8 July 2022, and will be confined to the Lugano region. The Air Force will provide air policing and enhanced airspace surveillance.

The measures are already reflected in the regular Armed Forces budget, so the federal government will not incur any additional expenditure.


Address for enquiries:

For further information:
FDFA Communication
Tel. +41 58 462 31 53
Tel. Press service +41 460 55 55
kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

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Information for the FDJP:
Federal Office of Police (fedpol)
Communications
Tel. +41 58 463 13 10

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Information for the DDPS:
Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport
Communication
Tel. +41 58 464 50 58

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Information for the authorities of the Canton of Ticino:
Servizio comunicazione
media e prevenzione della Polizia cantonale
Tel. +41 91 814 67 42


Publisher:

The Federal Council
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Last update 19.07.2023

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