DDPS and other federal agencies support security for the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel

The Eurovision Song Contest is a major event of international importance. Various agencies of the Federal Administration are also involved in ensuring security.

Army: 40 members of the army deployed

The army is deploying around 40 militia members and professional military personnel, who will provide a total of around 350 days of service. The services include contributions in the areas of NBC decontamination, advice and analysis in the context of explosive ordnance disposal and support in the preventive search of infrastructures requiring special protection. The army deployment is carried out within the framework of the "Ordinance on the Support of Civilian or Off-Duty Activities with Military Means" (VUM).

Federal Office for Cybersecurity: Coordination of cyber defense

Organizing major events of international importance in Switzerland poses particular challenges in terms of cybersecurity. Critical infrastructures in particular are increasingly exposed during such events and require special protection. As part of the Eurovision Song Contest, the Federal Office for Cybersecurity BACS supports the security organization on site and ensures coordinated cyber defence. The cyber situation network, consisting of BACS and other partners, will be active throughout the entire period from May 11 to 17. In order to identify potential risks at an early stage, BACS has prepared a comprehensive cyber risk analysis in collaboration with the host cities and the host broadcaster and taken threat scenarios into account.

In the event of cyber incidents, BACS will provide specific products and alerts for the critical infrastructures and provide incident response support. These measures will ensure optimal cyber security and critical infrastructure protection during this high-profile international event.

Federal Intelligence Service: Situation assessments and intelligence network

The Federal Intelligence Service FIS works closely with the relevant authorities and partners in the run-up to and during the event in order to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the threat situation. The FIS is responsible for the early detection of threats to Switzerland's internal and external security. It procures, analyzes and evaluates security-relevant information for the ESC, supports the security authorities with situation assessments and operates an intelligence network managed by its Federal Situation Center. In this way, it ensures a comprehensive basis for decision-making for those responsible for the security measures at the ESC.

Federal Office for Civil Protection: Support for radio communications and radioactivity measurements

The Federal Office for Civil Protection FOCP checks the quality and availability of radio communications in the Basel area. The aim is to ensure that the communication channels function reliably and meet the requirements in the event of an incident. The existing channels are also monitored in real time in order to obtain as accurate a picture as possible of current usage. The FOCP evaluates the collected data and uses it to derive measures for optimization.

In addition, the National Emergency Operations Center NEOC, as part of the FOCP, monitors radioactivity over a large area using automatic measuring probes. The partners involved are kept constantly informed of the situation by the Electronic Situation Display (ELD NAZ).

Federal Office of Police: Police support on site

For the entire duration of the Eurovision Song Contest, fedpol is sending staff to Basel who will be directly integrated into the operational structure of the Basel security authorities. Among other things, fedpol will provide support in developing the situation and, on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, will take charge of investigations into any criminal offenses under federal jurisdiction. As a hub between national and international police forces, fedpol ensures an efficient cross-border exchange of information. Specifically, the Geneva-based Center for Police and Customs Cooperation will be present in Basel during the Eurovision Song Contest. The police attachés of fedpol and the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security stationed abroad will also be available in the event of an incident. The police attachés of foreign police authorities stationed in Switzerland will also be involved if necessary. Both the national contact point for the exchange of additional information (SIRENE Office Switzerland) and fedpol's Operations and Alarm Center will be represented on site as part of the investigation cooperation. In this way, efficient processing of Schengen or worldwide searches can be guaranteed in the event of an incident. In addition, fedpol ensures the deployment of Europol personnel to support the Basel security authorities.

Federal Office for Customs and Border Security: First security filter

The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) is part of the security arrangements for the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel. The FOCBS continues to carry out its controls depending on the situation and on a risk basis, is present at border crossings and in the border area as part of its mandate and thus forms the first security filter. During the ESC, it will carry out targeted customs controls, intensifying checks on goods and persons in individual sections and strengthening its measures accordingly.

The BAZG is in close contact with partner authorities in Switzerland - in particular the Basel-Stadt Cantonal Police and the Basel-Landschaft Police - but also with authorities abroad.

Source: www.vbs.admin.ch