The Canton of Vaud is intensifying its security apparatus ahead of the upcoming G7 Summit in Évian, France. While less directly exposed than neighboring Geneva, regional authorities announced on Monday a comprehensive safety strategy, which includes the mobilization of 2,200 personnel—comprising police, civil defense, customs, fire services, and medical support.
“Having Donald Trump just 15 kilometers away from Lausanne [as the crow flies] is no small matter,” Vassilis Venizelos, Vaud’s Minister of Security, stated during a press conference in Lausanne. He described the mobilization and vigilance efforts as “exceptional,” while emphasizing that the canton is approaching the event with “seriousness and great calm” following a meticulous, coordinated planning process initiated in June 2025.
A Different Context Than 2003
According to the State Councilor, Vaud’s current situation is fundamentally different from Geneva’s, and stands in stark contrast to 2003, when the Évian G8 Summit triggered intense riots and protests across Lausanne and the surrounding region.
Venizelos noted that no anti-G7 demonstrations have been announced in Vaud so far, and unlike past summits, none of the official international delegations participating in the summit will be accommodated within the canton.
Feminist Rally Raises No Concerns
Authorities also addressed the scheduled Feminist Strike demonstration, set to take place in Lausanne on Saturday, June 13—one day prior to the major anti-G7 rally planned for Geneva.
The State Councilor reassured the public that the event raises no specific security alarms, noting that organizers have maintained “close contact” with authorities over the years and that “democratic expression” must be upheld.
Military Backing and Tightened Infrastructure
In addition to the 2,200 regional personnel, Vaud will receive tactical support from the Swiss Armed Forces. Military units will handle highly specialized operations, including:
- Monitoring and securing Lake Geneva.
- Safeguarding regional airspace.
- Protecting critical infrastructure.
Specific high-security sectors have already been reinforced, including the cantonal police headquarters in La Blécherette. Sylvie Bula, head of the cantonal police, explained that these measures aim to prevent potential security breaches and shield the primary command center from external surveillance.
While all of Vaud’s border crossings will remain open, authorities warned that significantly tightened security checks could lead to traffic delays at customs and along key transit routes.
Travel Advisory and Public Disruptions
No sailing bans have been issued for the Vaud sector of Lake Geneva. However, for CGN ferry connections, the standard docking point in Évian will temporarily be rerouted to Lugrin Tourronde, though the terminus will remain in Lausanne. In the air, strict drone flight bans will be enforced over the regions of Lausanne, Payerne, and Bière.
[G7 Travel & Security Restrictions Summary]
• Borders: Remain open, but increased customs checks may cause delays.
• Maritime: No sailing ban; CGN ferries rerouted from Évian to Lugrin Tourronde.
• Airspace: Complete drone bans over Lausanne, Payerne, and Bière.
• Commuting: Public advised to telecommute and plan cross-border trips in advance.
Authorities are strongly urging the public to anticipate cross-border travel disruptions during the summit and are advising cross-border workers to utilize remote working arrangements where possible. For real-time updates, the canton has launched a dedicated information portal at vaud-info-g7.ch.
“The Vaud strategy aims to guarantee security while simultaneously preserving the continuity of daily life,” Venizelos concluded. The total cost of the security operation has not yet been finalized, but the Swiss Confederation is slated to cover 80% of the overall expenditure.
