Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme: Protecting Water Resources in Aizkraukle

20.03.2025 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
In the framework of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states, Latvia will receive 40.4 million Swiss francs to fund four key programs: Research and Innovation, Vocational Education, Paediatric Cancer Care and Remediation of Historical Pollution.

Official Launch of the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme (2022-2029)

11.02.2025 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
The Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme (SBCP) was officially launched on 11 February 2025, marking a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and reducing economic and social disparities both between EU member states and within Bulgaria.

Swiss-Czech Cooperation Programme

11.12.2024 — Local news Schweizer Beitrag
Launch of the Programme "Sustainable Tourism and Biodiversity".

Childhood Cancer Care in Latvia

11.12.2024 — Press releases Schweizer Beitrag
Switzerland supports the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (CCUH) in Riga, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in October 2024. The hospital plays a key role in children’s healthcare in Latvia. A special event was the official launch of the Swiss-Latvian cooperation programme “Development of Childhood Cancer Care”. 

Publication of Award Competition Procedure for the selection of a Swiss Support Measure Partner (SSMP) – Duration of mandate: 1.11.2024 – 30.04.2029

31.10.2024 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
The tender procedure for the selection of the Swiss Support Measure Partner for the Development of Towns Programme in Poland is concluded. Four tenders were submitted and evaluated. The evaluation panel has carefully evaluated the tenders submitted on the basis of the published criteria.

Knowledge Transfer and Collaboration: Croatian Water Experts Visit Switzerland

31.10.2024 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
At the end of October 2024, SECO organized a study visit for Croatian water experts to explore Swiss approaches to drinking water and wastewater management. Visits to the wastewater treatment plants in Schwyz and Gossau-Grüningen, as well as the drinking water supplier tb Glarus, provided an impressive showcase of energy-efficient water management practices. 

Insight into Swiss energy management and renewable energies for the Slovenian Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy

17.07.2024 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
At the end of May, SECO organized a study visit to Bern and Western Switzerland for Slovenian experts in the area of environment, energy and climate. Thanks to exchanges with the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the canton of Vaud, and the municipality of Saint-Prex (VD), the delegation gained important insights into local energy networks, their digitalization, and new energy planning tools at all administrative levels. The visit to Agroscope and the Solberry berry farm also provided an opportunity to learn about existing Swiss agri-photovoltaic systems in a scientific and agricultural context and to establish important contacts for future cooperation.

Open Competition Procedure for the selection of a Swiss Support Measure Partner (SSMP)

12.06.2024 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
to support the transfer of knowledge and the establishment of Swiss-Polish city partnerships in cooperation with the Association of Polish Cities. 

Second Swiss contribution, migration framework credit: Implementation agreement with Italy signed

17.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 17 May in Rome, Switzerland and Italy signed an agreement on the implementation of projects under the second Swiss contribution to the migration framework credit. CHF 20 million has been earmarked to fund the accommodation and care of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers in Italy. This is a further Swiss contribution to addressing migration in Europe. The agreement was signed by State Secretary Christine Schraner Burgener and the Italian head of cabinet of the Ministry of the Interior, Maria Teresa Sempreviva.

Swiss-Polish Research and Innovation Programme

14.05.2024 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
The Swiss-Polish Research and Innovation Programme in the framework of the Second Swiss Contribution provides 41 million Swiss francs for scientists and the opportunity to cooperate with world-class researchers. Calls for basic and applied research open now!

State Secretary Martina Hirayama visits Poland with science delegation

11.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 9 and 10 April, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation (ERI), met with Polish government representatives in Warsaw. She opened the kick-off event of the Polish-Swiss research and innovation programme. The visit to Warsaw will strengthen bilateral relations between Switzerland and Poland in the ERI sector.

The new Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme has been launched

13.12.2023 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
The Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme as part of the Swiss Contribution to selected EU member states, was officially launched in Warsaw on 12 December 2023. Over 300 representatives from Polish towns, the research and innovation community, civil society and the private sector attended the event.

Childhood Cancer Care in Latvia

11.12.2024 — Press releases Schweizer Beitrag
Switzerland supports the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (CCUH) in Riga, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in October 2024. The hospital plays a key role in children’s healthcare in Latvia. A special event was the official launch of the Swiss-Latvian cooperation programme “Development of Childhood Cancer Care”. 

Second Swiss contribution, migration framework credit: Implementation agreement with Italy signed

17.05.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 17 May in Rome, Switzerland and Italy signed an agreement on the implementation of projects under the second Swiss contribution to the migration framework credit. CHF 20 million has been earmarked to fund the accommodation and care of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers in Italy. This is a further Swiss contribution to addressing migration in Europe. The agreement was signed by State Secretary Christine Schraner Burgener and the Italian head of cabinet of the Ministry of the Interior, Maria Teresa Sempreviva.

State Secretary Martina Hirayama visits Poland with science delegation

11.04.2024 — Press releases Europa
On 9 and 10 April, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation (ERI), met with Polish government representatives in Warsaw. She opened the kick-off event of the Polish-Swiss research and innovation programme. The visit to Warsaw will strengthen bilateral relations between Switzerland and Poland in the ERI sector.

Greater cooperation with Slovakia

19.09.2023 — Press releases Europa
Switzerland and Slovakia have signed a bilateral agreement on 19 September 2023 on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. Switzerland will support programmes in Slovakia in the areas of vocational training, sustainable tourism and healthcare amounting to CHF 44.2 million. This means that all 13 bilateral implementation agreements for the second Swiss contribution to strengthen cohesion are under wraps.

Ignazio Cassis signs agreement in Slovenia on implementation of second Swiss contribution

28.08.2023 — Press releases EDA
During a visit to Slovenia, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), today signed an agreement on the implementation of Switzerland's second contribution in Ljubljana. The agreement provides for the financing of projects aimed at improving Slovenia's energy efficiency and developing its renewable energy resources. Mr Cassis also attended the Bled Strategic Forum, where he took part in a panel discussion on the future of multilateralism.

Elisabeth Baume-Schneider to visit aid projects in Poland and Slovakia for people who have fled the war in Ukraine

30.06.2023 — Press releases Europa
On 5 and 6 July, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider will be on a working visit to Poland and Slovakia, two countries neighbouring Ukraine that have taken in large numbers of refugees. Ms Baume-Schneider will visit several aid projects for Ukrainian refugees that are co-financed by Switzerland. She will also meet her counterparts in both countries for bilateral exchanges.

Launch of new cooperation programme between Switzerland and the Czech Republic

29.06.2023 — Press releases Europa
State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda and Czech Minister of Finance Zbynêk Stanjura signed a bilateral agreement in Prague implementing Switzerland's second contribution to selected EU Member States. Switzerland is allocating CHF 76.9 million towards a programme in the Czech Republic. This visit underlines Switzerland’s interest in further enhancing its already very good bilateral relations with the Czech Republic.

Launch of new cooperation programme between Switzerland and Latvia

19.06.2023 — Press releases Europa
Switzerland and Latvia have signed a bilateral agreement implementing the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. Under the agreement Switzerland will allocate CHF 40.4 million towards programmes in Latvia in the fields of polluted site remediation, applied research, vocational education and training and healthcare.

Swiss-Lithuanian Cooperation Programme launched

22.05.2023 — Press releases EDA
On 22 May 2023, the Ambassador of Switzerland and the Lithuanian Minister of Finance signed the implementation agreement for the Swiss-Lithuanian Cooperation Programme under the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. The contribution to Lithuania amounts to 45.2 million Swiss francs and will support programmes in Lithuania in the fields of health, civic participation and vocational education.

Switzerland and Romania sign agreement on implementation of second Swiss contribution

12.12.2022 — Press releases EDA
On Monday, 12 December, President Ignazio Cassis met with President Klaus Werner Iohannis and Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă in Bucharest. President Cassis then signed an agreement on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution with Finance Minister Adrian Câciu. Under the agreement, Switzerland will provide CHF 221.5 million to finance various projects in Romania until 2029. Prior to visiting Bucharest, Mr Cassis had a working meeting with the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

Switzerland and Poland launch second Swiss contribution

05.12.2022 — Press releases Europa
On 5 December, State Secretary for Economic Affairs Hélène Budliger Artieda and Poland’s Minister for Development Funds and Regional Policy Grzegorz Puda signed a bilateral agreement in Warsaw. The agreement implements the new Swiss-Polish cooperation programme, which is part of Switzerland’s second enlargement contribution to selected EU member states. The visit signals Switzerland's continued interest in strengthening its very good bilateral, and economic relations with Poland.

President of the Confederation Ignazio Cassis signs agreement in Malta on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution

18.11.2022 — Press releases EDA
During an official visit to Malta, President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis met on Friday 18 November 2022 with Foreign Minister Ian Borg. Their talks focused on bilateral relations, Switzerland's and Malta's non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council, and cooperation in the digital domain. Mr Cassis also signed the agreement with Malta on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution. On the margins of this meeting, Mr Cassis also participated in the Digital Diplomacy and Governance Summit.

Swiss-Latvian Cooperation Programme: Protecting Water Resources in Aizkraukle

20.03.2025 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
In the framework of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states, Latvia will receive 40.4 million Swiss francs to fund four key programs: Research and Innovation, Vocational Education, Paediatric Cancer Care and Remediation of Historical Pollution.

Official Launch of the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme (2022-2029)

11.02.2025 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
The Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme (SBCP) was officially launched on 11 February 2025, marking a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and reducing economic and social disparities both between EU member states and within Bulgaria.

Swiss-Czech Cooperation Programme

11.12.2024 — Local news Schweizer Beitrag
Launch of the Programme "Sustainable Tourism and Biodiversity".

Publication of Award Competition Procedure for the selection of a Swiss Support Measure Partner (SSMP) – Duration of mandate: 1.11.2024 – 30.04.2029

31.10.2024 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
The tender procedure for the selection of the Swiss Support Measure Partner for the Development of Towns Programme in Poland is concluded. Four tenders were submitted and evaluated. The evaluation panel has carefully evaluated the tenders submitted on the basis of the published criteria.

Knowledge Transfer and Collaboration: Croatian Water Experts Visit Switzerland

31.10.2024 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
At the end of October 2024, SECO organized a study visit for Croatian water experts to explore Swiss approaches to drinking water and wastewater management. Visits to the wastewater treatment plants in Schwyz and Gossau-Grüningen, as well as the drinking water supplier tb Glarus, provided an impressive showcase of energy-efficient water management practices. 

Insight into Swiss energy management and renewable energies for the Slovenian Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy

17.07.2024 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
At the end of May, SECO organized a study visit to Bern and Western Switzerland for Slovenian experts in the area of environment, energy and climate. Thanks to exchanges with the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the canton of Vaud, and the municipality of Saint-Prex (VD), the delegation gained important insights into local energy networks, their digitalization, and new energy planning tools at all administrative levels. The visit to Agroscope and the Solberry berry farm also provided an opportunity to learn about existing Swiss agri-photovoltaic systems in a scientific and agricultural context and to establish important contacts for future cooperation.

Open Competition Procedure for the selection of a Swiss Support Measure Partner (SSMP)

12.06.2024 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
to support the transfer of knowledge and the establishment of Swiss-Polish city partnerships in cooperation with the Association of Polish Cities. 

Swiss-Polish Research and Innovation Programme

14.05.2024 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
The Swiss-Polish Research and Innovation Programme in the framework of the Second Swiss Contribution provides 41 million Swiss francs for scientists and the opportunity to cooperate with world-class researchers. Calls for basic and applied research open now!

The new Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme has been launched

13.12.2023 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
The Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme as part of the Swiss Contribution to selected EU member states, was officially launched in Warsaw on 12 December 2023. Over 300 representatives from Polish towns, the research and innovation community, civil society and the private sector attended the event.

Closing Conference of the Croatian-Swiss Research Programme in Zagreb

23.10.2023 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
On 19 October, the closing conference of the Croatian-Swiss Research Programme (CSRP), organised by the Croatian Science Foundation HRZZ, took place in Zagreb. The CSRP initiative aims to promote scientific cooperation between Switzerland and Croatia and is in implementation from 2017 until the end of 2023.

All implementation agreements signed, first projects launched

19.09.2023 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
Switzerland and Slovakia have signed the bilateral agreement on 19 September 2023 on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. Switzerland has thus signed the bilateral implementation agreements for the cohesion part with all partner countries of the second Swiss contribution. The implementation phase now follows.

Delegations from four EU countries find inspiration for sustainable tourism on visit to Swiss National Park

14.09.2023 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
Switzerland has gained valuable experience with national parks, sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation. It is now sharing this knowledge with partner states as part of the second Swiss contribution, including the recent study trip that SECO and its partners organised for experts from Bulgaria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Estonia.

Enlargement Contribution in Cyprus – All Projects ready for Implementation

28.07.2010 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

In Cyprus, three different projects have gotten underway that are being supported by a contribution of almost CHF 6 million. With this, Switzerland’s enlargement contribution earmarked for Cyprus has already been completely distributed. The projects pursue the objective of reducing the economic and social disparities between Cyprus and the more advanced countries of the EU.

Modern infrastructure for border police, transport and hospitals in Poland

28.07.2010 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

Poland is a priority country for the enlargement contributions and has been allocated CHF 489 million, almost a half of the entire enlargement contribution. The country is now a magnet for tourists but its infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is still rudimentary.

Contribution à l’élargissement: le Conseil fédéral a approuvé les accords-cadres bilatéraux avec la Bulgarie et la Roumanie

23.06.2010 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

Lors de sa séance du 23 juin 2010, le Conseil fédéral a approuvé les accords-cadres bilatéraux avec la Bulgarie et la Roumanie et décidé de procéder à leur signature. Ces accords régissent le contenu et la mise en œuvre de la contribution suisse à l’élargissement en faveur de ces deux pays. Les premiers projets pourront sans doute être sélectionnés et réalisés dès fin 2010.

Switzerland supports Hungary’s fight against the serious threat of floods

08.06.2010 — Press releases Schweizer Beitrag

Hungary is getting prepared to face a major risk of flooding in the north of the country. The Danube and the Tisza are threatening to overflow their banks towards the middle of next week. To cope with this threat, the Hungarian government has requested the aid of its European partners. Switzerland will deliver 500,000 bags of sand and dispatch to the site three experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit.

Hungary: Risk capital fund to support SMEs

31.03.2010 — Local news Schweizer Beitrag

On 30.3.2010 President of the Confederation Doris Leuthard approved the first Swiss project to support the Hungarian private sector. The aim of the project is to ensure the long-term financing of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This will help to create a large number of jobs.

Enlargement Contribution for Bulgaria and Romania accepted by Parliament

07.12.2009 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

As the second Chamber of the Swiss Parliament to do so, the Council of States followed the National Council on 7 December 2009 in approving the Federal Decree on the enlargement contribution for Bulgaria and Romania This parliamentary decision enables Switzerland to finance projects and programmes designed to reduce the economic and social disparities in Bulgaria and Romania.

Slovenia: First renewable energy project approved

27.10.2009 — Local news Schweizer Beitrag

Within the framework of its contribution to EU enlargement, Switzerland has set aside CHF 3.7 million for a Slovenian project to encourage the use of renewable energy sources in various municipalities of the Primorska coastal region. The pilot project will enable the use of solar power and biomass and raise public awareness of the use of renewable energy sources.

Transparent framework conditions for Poland’s private sector

27.08.2009 — Local news Schweizer Beitrag

Implementation of accounting and auditing standards

Particularly in times of economic downturn, the existence of transparent framework conditions is crucial to the growth of private enterprise. SECO has thus approved a CHF 10 million project supporting the implementation of the accounting and auditing standards for businesses in Poland.

Modernisation of the Latvian Judicial System

26.06.2009 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

As part of its contribution to EU enlargement, Switzerland has pledged CHF 8 million to co-fund a project aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of Latvia’s judicial system. The joint project agreement was signed by the two countries on 25 June 2009.

Kick-off of the Scholarship Fund Programme in the Partner Countries

15.06.2009 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

With the launch of a pilot phase in Poland and the Czech Republic, the implementation of the scholarship programme within the scope of the Swiss enlargement contribution has gotten underway. The beneficiaries of this CHF 30 million-endowed programme are young and promising research scientists from the Central and Eastern European EU-Member States.

Switzerland supports the Fight against Crime in Estonia

15.06.2009 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

On 28 May 2009, within the scope of the Swiss Enlargement contribution, a project agreement was signed in Tallinn, Estonia, for the provision of support both to the Estonian Forensic Science Institute and to other criminal prosecution authorities in Estonia. The Swiss contribution of CHF 3.5 million is intended to finance the procurement of modern technical equipment, an enhanced data exchange system, and the organization of training courses.

Enlargement contribution to Bulgaria and Romania: Federal Council sends dispatch to parliament

05.06.2009 — Local news Schweizer Beitrag

On 5 June 2009 the Federal Council sent the Dispatch on the Credit Facility for the Enlargement Contribution in favour of Bulgaria and Romania to parliament. Switzerland’s contribution to reducing economic and social disparities totals CHF 257m over a five-year period.

European policy: Federal Council submits dispatch on approving second Swiss contribution

11.08.2021 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council's European policy agenda includes approving the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states with a view to continuing the bilateral approach. At its meeting on 11 August, the Federal Council adopted a dispatch to this effect to be brought before Parliament as soon as possible.

European policy: Federal Council sets out next steps for second Swiss contribution

04.06.2021 — Press releases EDA
The unblocking of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states is part of the Federal Council's European policy agenda, with a view to pursuing the bilateral approach. At its meeting on 4 June, the Federal Council decided to prepare a dispatch on the unblocking of the corresponding framework credits. The dispatch will be submitted to Parliament in the autumn session.

No signing of Swiss–EU institutional agreement

26.05.2021 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 26 May, the Federal Council undertook an overall evaluation of the outcome of the negotiations on the institutional framework agreement (InstA). It concluded that there remain substantial differences between Switzerland and the EU on key aspects of the agreement. The conditions are thus not met for the signing of the agreement. The Federal Council today took the decision not to sign the agreement, and communicated this decision to the EU. This brings the negotiations on the draft of the InstA to a close. The Federal Council nevertheless considers it to be in the shared interest of Switzerland and the EU to safeguard their well-established cooperation and to systematically maintain the agreements already in force. It therefore wishes to launch a political dialogue with the EU on continued cooperation. Meanwhile, it has tasked the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) to consider how autonomous amendments to Swiss legislation might contribute to the stabilisation of Swiss–EU relations.

Switzerland's enlargement contribution to Bulgaria and Romania comes to a close

20.01.2020 — Press releases EDA
Over the last ten years, Switzerland has provided CHF 257 million from its enlargement contribution to support projects in Bulgaria and Romania. The two countries joined the European Union (EU) in 2007. The contribution aimed to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe and within Bulgaria and Romania. The 93 projects, which came to a close in December 2019, have achieved good results. Switzerland's support contributes to greater stability in Europe, which is also in the country's interests.

Federal Council to continue negotiations with EU under current mandate

28.09.2018 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 28 September 2018, the Federal Council – the executive branch of the Swiss government – conducted a fresh review of Switzerland's European policy strategy and decided to continue negotiations on an institutional agreement with the European Union (EU) as provided for under the current mandate. The Federal Council also wishes to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the social partners and the cantons. The government also adopted the dispatch on Switzerland's second contribution to the enlarged EU and a related dispatch on the revision of the Asylum Act.

Ignazio Cassis holds political talks in Bulgaria and visits project to promote vocational training

11.09.2018 — Press releases EDA
On an official visit to Sofia, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva. Their talks focused on the experiences of the Bulgarian presidency of the EU Council, the status of institutional negotiations between Switzerland and the EU, and bilateral issues. Mr Cassis also visited a vocational training project in Sofia which Switzerland is supporting through its contribution to EU enlargement.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in Romania for talks on bilateral ties, linguistic minorities and Europe

10.09.2018 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met today with Romanian Prime Minister Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă and Foreign Minister Teodor Meleșcanu in Bucharest during an official visit to the country. Talks centred on Romania's upcoming EU presidency, European policy, bilateral issues and Swiss-Romanian cooperation under the enlargement contribution. Prior to the talks, Mr Cassis met representatives of Romania's German-speaking minority in Sibiu/Hermannstadt.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis pays official visits to Romania and Bulgaria

06.09.2018 — Press releases EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will conduct talks in Bucharest and Sofia on 10 and 11 September 2018, focusing on bilateral issues, cooperation to date in the context of Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU and European policy. Beforehand, Mr Cassis will meet representatives of the German-speaking minority in Romania in Sibiu/Hermannstadt.

President of the Swiss Confederation Doris Leuthard receives President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker

23.11.2017 — Press releases EDA
President Doris Leuthard met with the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker today in Bern. Ms Leuthard, who was accompanied by Federal Councillors Alain Berset and Ignazio Cassis, and Mr Juncker reiterated the importance and diversity of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU). They drew a positive assessment of the progress made this year in several areas and agreed on the next steps. Ms Leuthard and Mr Juncker also reiterated their desire to develop the bilateral approach.

Focus on European policy and bilateral issues during presidential visit to Bulgaria

02.11.2017 — Press releases EDA
On Thursday, 2 November, President Doris Leuthard, held the now traditional talks with the future EU Council presidency. The themes addressed during the discussions with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, Prime Minister Bojko Borissov and further members of the government included European policy, as well as bilateral and international issues.

Switzerland-EU relations: Federal Council sets priorities and agenda

28.06.2017 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 28 June 2017, the Federal Council set out its priorities for Switzerland's relationship with the European Union. It acknowledged the social and economic importance of the bilateral path, which allows the country to prosper while maintaining its independence. The government reiterated its intention to maintain and build on this relationship, particularly in regard to market access. It plans to assess the situation in the next few months based on the tangible outcomes obtained following the resumption of talks on outstanding dossiers. To this end it has scheduled a number of phases for next autumn.

10 years of contribution to the enlarged EU: efforts pay off

19.06.2017 — Press releases Schweizer Beitrag

The 10-year implementation period for Switzerland’s enlargement contribution to the 10 central and eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004 came to an end on 14 June 2017. Under the contribution, Parliament approved a total of CHF 1 billion to implement 210 projects which have helped reduce economic and social disparities among broad sections of the population living in the EU.

Upgrading water infrastructure in Croatia's karst mountains

02.02.2021 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
Switzerland is helping to upgrade the drinking-water and sewerage infrastructure in Croatia's mountain region of Gorski Kotar in the north-west. The aim of the project is to reduce water loss and connect more homes to the sewerage system. This contributes to water conservation and economic development in the region.

Supporting innovation in Croatia

22.01.2021 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
Innovation is an important factor in countries' economic development. However, government spending for research and development is often limited. In Croatia, Switzerland provides promising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with support for the launch and development of innovative new projects. Five SMEs have succeeded in obtaining funding from the European Eurostars programme with Switzerland's support.

Results of country programmes completed in the EU-12

08.06.2020 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
Promoting renewable energy, creating employment and strengthening civil society: the final review of Switzerland's enlargement contribution summarises the results of Swiss-backed projects in 12 of the 13 states that joined the EU in 2004. Croatia, which joined the EU in 2013, is the only country where projects will continue until 2024.

Contribution to the enlarged EU: programmes in Bulgaria and Romania come to a close

20.01.2020 — Schweizer Beitrag
Over the last ten years, Switzerland has provided CHF 257 million from its enlargement contribution to support projects in Bulgaria and Romania. The two countries joined the European Union (EU) in 2007. The contribution aimed to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe and within Bulgaria and Romania. The 93 projects, which came to a close in December 2019, have achieved good results. Switzerland's support contributes to greater stability in Europe, which is also in the country's interests.

Road safety: Croatian project partners visit Switzerland

02.12.2019 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
A study visit by a Croatian delegation to explore road safety in Switzerland has been successfully completed. Swiss partner organisation Pro Velo along with researchers and transport policy experts all contributed actively to the success of the project with their specialist input. During the visit, Switzerland highlighted how its contribution to the enlarged EU played a significant role and valuable contacts were established.

Vocational training to counter skills shortage in Bulgaria

04.11.2019 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
In September 2019, a Bulgarian delegation visited various companies, vocational schools and training centres in Switzerland. The Swiss model has inspired Bulgaria's reform of its vocational education and training (VET) into a dual system, to which Switzerland contributed financial support and expertise. The new system includes more practical work and the active participation of companies in the traineeships.

Green investments in Romania

16.08.2019 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
The Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca has launched a programme to improve its energy efficiency. In support of the programme, Switzerland has funded the energy-efficient renovation of school buildings, the installation of several thousand LED lights on the city's streets and the purchase of electric buses – making a significant contribution to climate change mitigation and improving the quality of life of the city's population.

25 years of invaluable support for the Romanian emergency services

18.07.2019 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
More than 25 years have passed since Switzerland started to support Romania in developing its emergency services. Much has been achieved thanks to Switzerland's systematic funding, creativity and innovative strength.

2018 annual report on Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU

08.05.2019 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
The 2018 annual report on Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU presents the results achieved in the last three remaining country programmes that are still under way: mine clearance in Croatia, the promotion of SMEs in Romania and the delivery of decommissioned trams from Basel to Bulgaria. Parliament is currently deciding on the future of the enlargement contribution. In principle, it has approved a second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states.

Successful Swiss support for research

15.03.2019 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
A research team in Hungary working on a Swiss-Hungarian research project has developed innovative technologies for the blind and visually impaired. Research continued in Hungary and Switzerland following the completion of the project in 2015, leading to successful results in both countries in the beginning of 2019: Hungary successfully launched an app for the visually impaired and in Switzerland Professor Botond Roska was awarded the Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine.

Strengthening human rights-based policing in Bulgaria

08.03.2019 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
In response to a series of abuses by the Bulgarian police, the authorities are looking to raise professional standards and roll out a human rights-based approach to policing. The Swiss contribution to the enlarged EU is helping Bulgaria implement this project. 

Step by step towards greater sustainability

15.02.2019 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
2019 is a big year for Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU in Romania: all projects must be completed by December. As the deadline approaches, the achievements of cooperation are becoming ever more tangible. The Romanian city of Suceava, for example, is creating a more sustainable energy supply.