Recently, high-level discussions between Swiss and Italian officials have sparked renewed attention to security cooperation across the border. The Vice President of the Canton of Ticino, Norman Gobbi, along with key representatives from police and emergency services, conducted significant meetings in Rome to explore collaborative efforts between Switzerland and Italy concerning security.
Gobbi’s visit occurred over two days, where he was accompanied by prominent figures including Matteo Cocchi, commander of the Cantonal Police, Ryan Pedevilla, head of military and population protection, and Francesco Quattrini, delegate of external relations. Their agenda comprised discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation between the Canton and Italian authorities on matters of public safety.
During their first encounter, the Ticino delegation reviewed mutual aid agreements for disaster scenarios established with the Prefectures of Como, Varese, and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. This conference included the deputy chief of the Civil Protection Department, Luigi Mazzei, where they examined future collaborations, especially with the impending "SCUTUM 2027" exercise on the horizon.
Another pressing issue addressed was the spread of African swine fever, which has been affecting Italy and poses risks to the Ticino region. This health concern underscored the importance of proactive measures and communication between officials to prevent any potential cross-border crisis.
Among the intriguing discussions was the technological advancement of alarm systems for alerted populations during emergencies. This initiative aims to streamline responses to unusual situations, thereby bolstering public safety.
The discussions extended to international security contexts, addressing current conflicts and their repercussions on the safety of both nations. This acknowledgment of global security threats highlighted the amplified need for collaboration.
Later meetings involved interactions at the Carabiniers’ General Command with General Andrea Taurelli Salimbeni, focusing on bilateral collaboration within the Police and Customs Cooperation Center based in Chiasso. The conversations also covered projected joint patrols between the cantons and provincial police forces.
Results from the recent exercises, LAMA23 and LACE24, conducted with Special Intervention Groups as part of international counter-terrorism cooperative efforts, were also on the agenda. These exercises aim to create stronger ties aimed at combating terrorism.
Gobbi’s delegation included discussions with Italian government officials, such as Minister of Economy Giancarlo Giorgetti, centering on customs and security concerns, particularly concerning lake security operations. The meeting reflected on the “Montagne sicure” project initiated by the Department of Institutions, aiming for enhanced collaboration on Alpine rescue initiatives across borders.
Visits to the Ministry of the Interior highlighted immigration issues and close police cooperation. Gobbi engaged with Undersecretary Nicola Molteni and Chief of Police Vittorio Pisani, focusing on migration flows and organized crime challenges exacerbated by cross-border dynamics.
Gobbi emphasized the continuous engagement set forth by the Italy-Switzerland police agreement, which is due for updates after ten years of implementation.
Further high-level meetings included engagements with the Pontifical Swiss Guard Commander Christoph Graf, established to reinforce training collaboration. The Swiss Guard recruits undergo specific training programs based on curricula engineered by Ticino’s Cantonal Police.
On another front, discussions on security threats faced by Italy took place when Minister of Interior Matteo Piantedosi addressed these concerns at the Guardia di Finanza Academy. Speaking at the conference titled “Domestic and External Security Threats: The Italian System and the Importance of Coordination,” Piantedosi highlighted the increasingly complex scenarios faced by law enforcement, including organized crime and economic fraud.
This platform allowed for interaction between the Interior Minister and academy cadets, emphasizing the preparedness and strategic approach required by law enforcement agencies to combat present-day challenges.
The conference was attended by notable figures including General De Gennaro from the Guardia di Finanza, which offers training for future officers specializing in tackling financial crimes.
Piantedosi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bolster internal security by fostering stronger coordination among law enforcement bodies, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive countermeasures against organized crime and systemic risks.
Piantedosi concluded his address by emphasizing modern security challenges, asserting the need for collaborative efforts between civilian and military forces to navigate these complex threats and maintain stability.
These converging discussions between Swiss and Italian authorities underline the importance of collaboration, not only for security measures but also for addressing the socio-economic challenges facing communities along the borders.
The cooperative ventures explored over this period promise substantial enhancements to security protocols, economic relations, and community resilience across the border regions of Switzerland and Italy.