Swiss voters on Sunday, May 15, backed funding the expansion of Europe's Frontex border agency, thereby avoiding another row with Brussels, according to projected results. They also supported an amednment making streaming services contribute towards Swiss film-making.
Market researchers GFS Bern, who conducted the main polling throughout the campaign, projected that 72% backed Switzerland joining the planned ramping up of Frontex, providing more money and staff to protect the continent's Schengen open-borders zone. They said 58% of voters backed the so-called "Lex Netflix". And 59% approved a law change that would automatically register individuals as organ donors after death, unless they opt out.
Under the wealthy Alpine nation's direct democracy system, voters are called to the polls four times a year to decide on specific topics, according to popular demand. The polls closed at midday, with most ballots having already been sent in by post over the past four weeks.
'Frontexit averted'
Under Europe's expansion plan, Frontex will have a permanent contingent of 10,000 border guards and coast guards. Switzerland will nearly triple its financial contribution to Frontex to 61 million Swiss francs (61 million dollars, 58 million euros) annually, and increase its personnel contribution from six people to around 40.
Migrant support organisations, backed by left-leaning political parties, collected enough signatures to force a referendum. The government warned voters that if they rejected the expansion, Switzerland risked automatic exclusion from the Schengen area.
Lex Netflix
The "Lex Netflix" vote approves an amendment to the Film Production Act adopted by parliament last October. Since 2007, domestic television broadcasters have been obliged to invest 4% of their turnover in Swiss film-making. Streaming services will now have to submit to the 4% rule.
Swiss cinema production pulls in around 105 million Swiss francs ($106 million, 101 million euros) a year, according to the culture ministry -- but could now be in line for an additional 18 million francs.
The platforms will also be required to ensure that European-made films or series make up at least 30% of the content available in Switzerland, as in the neighbouring European Union. Right-leaning opponents had collected enough signatures to take the change to a referendum.