Interoperability and POLAP
What is interoperability?
Interoperability (IOP) is the ability of IT systems to share functionality in order to exchange information.
The EU is working to implement interoperability between its key databases (SIS, Eurodac, VIS, EES, ETIAS, ECRIS-TCN) via the European Search Portal (ESP). This portal enables national authorities to search these databases simultaneously, leading to more efficient police and border controls and thus greater security.
As a Schengen associated state, Switzerland must also implement interoperability as a further development of the Schengen acquis. While the Swiss parliament has already adopted the relevant legislation, the process of adopting the implementing regulation is ongoing. Full implementation of interoperability is scheduled for 2028.
While interoperability will link information systems, allowing more efficient police and border controls to combat crime, terrorism and illegal migration, access rights to the systems will not change.
Interoperability in Switzerland
The Swiss police, customs and border security authorities use various cantonal, national and international information systems to process police, identity document, migration and traffic data. Until now, the cantonal police could only obtain information about suspects from other cantons indirectly (e.g. by asking yes/no questions) and with considerable effort (e.g. by contacting each police force individually by telephone).
The cantons and the federal government have therefore launched a project to create a national police search portal called POLAP, linking the cantonal information systems with each other and with those of the federal authorities. POLAP has been operational since August 2024 and currently links the information systems of the EU and the Confederation. The cantons and the federal government are now working on the statutory provisions for integrating the cantonal information systems into POLAP. This will ensure full interoperability between Switzerland's and the EU's information systems in the future.