Compliance in the Implementation of the BMVI

The implementation of projects under the BMVI is governed by various European regulations as well as an agreement between Switzerland and the European Union, which specifies, among other things, Switzerland's commitments and obligations regarding fundamental rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, and the protection of the EU's financial interests. These rules apply to all countries participating in the BMVI, although some regulations are not applicable in Switzerland, which instead applies its own national laws and ratified international conventions.

Fundamental Rights

The BMVI must be implemented in accordance with fundamental rights such as equality of treatment, non-discrimination, and respect for human rights. Co-funded projects must ensure that the principles of human dignity, freedom, and equality are not compromised. In particular, projects must comply with the standards established by the rights and principles recognized by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and its protocols, Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the UN conventions related to the rights of persons with disabilities, thereby ensuring an inclusive and rights-respecting approach.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Regarding persons with disabilities, the regulations impose specific requirements to ensure the accessibility and inclusivity of co-funded projects. The responsible authorities must ensure that investments do not create additional barriers for these individuals and that financed projects promote their full participation and autonomy. This approach aims to remove barriers to participation and ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully respected in all actions undertaken with European funds. Switzerland applies the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and is therefore required to comply with the commitments made under this international instrument.

Protection of the EU’s Financial Interests

Switzerland is committed to implementing measures to ensure proper management of the European funds received in the context of the BMVI's implementation, fighting against fraud and other illegal activities with the same rigor it applies to protect its own financial interests. Switzerland must inform the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) of any fact or suspicion of fraud or irregularity affecting the financial interests of the EU. Switzerland is also committed to facilitating audits, inspections, and on-site controls conducted by these entities in Switzerland.

Reporting Mechanism

Switzerland has measures and guidelines in place to ensure an effective examination of complaints related to the implementation of the BMVI. To report any shortcoming and violation (or suspicion of) of the aforementioned principles, as well as any conflicts of interest, whether real, potential, or perceived, several reporting mechanisms are available. Details can be found in the financial support manual (see document Förderhandbuch below).

Managing Authority

To submit a complaint regarding the management of the funds, please contact: EUFonds@sem.admin.ch. Complaints sent to the above email address are received and handled by a representative of the managing authority. For complaints that wish to remain confidential with respect to the managing authority, it is recommended to use another dedicated reporting platform. Additionally, the managing authority is required to inform the monitoring committee of all complaints received, regardless of their nature or severity, thus ensuring transparency and appropriate follow-up for each case.

Federal Audit Office (SFAO)

The managing authority recommends notifying the Federal Audit Office directly via the SFAO's online whistleblowing platform for any complaints concerning the managing authority and its management of funds within the BMVI framework, as well as for any reports of financial irregularities or fraud.

European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)

It is also possible to report fraud anonymously to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). OLAF is responsible for examining reports of fraud or other serious irregularities affecting EU public funds, whether related to EU revenue or expenditure or EU institution assets. Reports can be made online via a fraud reporting system (anonymous, with secure document transmission).

Documents
Links

Förderbestimmungen (PDF, 461 kB, 23.01.2025)
(This document is not available in English)