Immigration Quotas Set to Kick In; Swiss Skies Active with Astronomical Events; Mother-Lode of Meat Smuggling Intercepted

Starting April 1, citizens of the European Union who wish to apply for a short-term residency permit in Switzerland will need to demonstrate sufficient economic means to stay in the country without Social Aid.  The new requirement put into effect by the federal government after consultation with cantons and interested parties, was the beginning of new rules to be enacted as a result of last year's successful Immigration Cap referendum.  The rules allow EU citizens to come to Switzerland to stay for up to three months, even if the sole intention is to seek a job.  After that period however, if they wish to stay and continue their job search, they'll need to apply for a three month extension which will require the financial means test.  Once again, however, the Federal Government came up short on specifics.  The state secretariat for migration could provide no additional details as to how the means test would be put into practice, or what the levels of wealth will be required to meet the requirements of the test.  Further complicating matters of course, is that Switzerland is a signatory to Freedom of Movement accords with the EU which date back to 2002.  These rules are the basis for economic bilateral agreements which according to Brussels would be violated.  Under the timetable set out by the February 2014 referendum, Bern has less than a year to work out how to implement a feasible immigration cap.   ************************************   The skies over Switzerland have become a stargazer's dream.  Last Sunday, numerous people contacted the authorities to report seeing a fireball light up and streak across the skies in Zurich, Aargau and Solothurn.  The authorities confirmed with astronomers in the region that a meteor was the cause and had been spotted throughout the region in Germany and French Alsace.  Witnesses reported that the meteor also made a thundering sound as it passed by overhead.  Markus Griever from the Eschenberg Observatory in Switzerland said it was too early to determine where the meteorite may have crashed.  In case you missed that sky show, the next one fortunately happens by appointment this Friday.  The European portion of the northern hemisphere will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, when the moon will pass in front of the daytime sun, blocking a portion of its visible disc.  Beginning at approximately 9:30 the eclipse should last until 11:30am with its maximum view at approximately 10:30 am.  As always, make sure to wear your sun viewers or use a pinhole projector to keep your eyes safe!     *******************************************************

Apparently, the border crossing at Riehen between Lorrach and the Basel area has become a favorite with those that seek to smuggle large quantities of meat and liquor subject to import duties.  Last Friday, when a pickup truck carrying three men was pulled over for inspection, the customs agents found in excess of 600 kilos of meat stored in the rear of the vehicle.  When confronted, the men claimed it was intended to feed attendants at a large funeral, no doubt leaving those without the meat doubly in mourning.  The meat was confiscated and subsequently destroyed at an incinerator.  Unfortunately for the men, the loss of their haul was just the start, as they're now liable for an import duty of 17 francs per kilo and fines.  Only a day later, at the same crossing, inspectors found another truck loaded with over 120 pounds of ham and 25 liters of liquor.  Apparently, the driver was a known repeat smuggling offender, and when recognized by the guards was immediately pulled over for inspection, yielding the haul.  The lesson here of course is that the Swiss Customs Border agents are on high alert since new importation rules and advantageous Euro exchange rates went into effect.  Therefore, one should always legally declare any excess controlled imports. 

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Pro Velo Basel, the Basel based organization which advocates for bicyclists interests in the city has started a referendum to call for the construction of a bicycle only ring-road.  As part of its overall goal to enhance the bike-friendliness of the city, the plan would designate existing road infrastructure as exclusive to bicycle riders and reduce the speed limits for autos at shared roadways.  Currently, bicyclists account for 16-18 percent of total traffic and its hoped this initiative would put more people in the saddle.  Advocates argue the reduced motor congestion would improve the streets, reducing maintenance costs, and enhance public health through ridership.  Politicians from most of the popular parties threw their support behind the project almost immediately.  Costs for the project should voters pass the initiative are estimated to run an extra 25 million francs above the current road works budget.  David Wuest-Rudin, the president of Pro Velo Basel, said the city has gone 15 years since the last major bicycling initiative put bike stands at the train station, and that Basel is falling behind peer cities for bike-friendliness in Europe.