A decision by the Geneva Grand Council on the schooling of cross-border pupils provokes strong reactions – French government takes action
A decision by Greater Geneva to regulate school capacity in response to the increase in the number of cross-border pupils stipulates that, from 2026, certain children residing in France will no longer be able to attend school in Geneva. Several families have already lodged appeals to challenge this exclusion, and France has officially expressed its concern to the Swiss authorities.
The Grand Council of Geneva recently postponed the debate on the practical implementation of the measure, but the 2026 deadline remains unchanged. This situation illustrates the challenges facing border areas and the need for coordinated solutions between France and Switzerland to ensure educational continuity and stability in the territories concerned.
At the end of 2024, approximately 114,900 cross-border workers were residing in France and employed in the canton of Geneva, according to data from the Cantonal Statistics Office (OCSTAT). This region thus accounts for approximately 28% of the 406,950 active cross-border workers registered in Switzerland.
Mobilisation of the French government
At the beginning of the 2026 school year, more than 2,500 pupils residing in France will no longer be able to attend school in Geneva. This unilateral decision has sparked discontent among President Emmanuel Macron, who has expressed his concern and dissatisfaction. The French government says it is fully committed to engaging in dialogue with the Swiss authorities in order to find a mutually agreed solution.
