Brussels, 14/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - Switzerland is continuing its internal work to allow its border guards to take part in patrols coordinated by the Frontex Agency. On Wednesday 13 February, the Swiss government delivered to its parliament the message that two European Union regulations should be taken on board in order to contain illegal migration. The two texts forwarded by the government concern Switzerland's participation in the European agency for controlling the EU's external borders (Frontex) and in Frontex's Rapid Border Intervention Teams (RABIT). In practical terms, this would give Frontex the possibility of calling on Switzerland to provide border guards for limited deployments, the Swiss mission to the EU states in a press release. The Swiss Confederation may nonetheless refuse support depending upon the involvement requested. The costs entailed by Switzerland's participation in Frontex are expected to be around €1.4 million per year. The parliament has still to approve the dossier (and is likely to do so this summer). The procedure requires a decree to be drawn up and then submitted to optional referendum. Non-participation by Switzerland in Frontex operations could lead to suspension, if not denunciation, of the Schengen Agreement and the Dublin Convention. The bilateral Schengen/Dublin agreement will be officially effective on 1 November 2008. EU assessment missions will begin in Switzerland on 9 March. These missions will examine the adjustment of laws to the provisions relating to data protection in force in the Schengen Area, as well as police cooperation, visas and the question of security in airports. (B.C.)