All implementation agreements signed, first projects launched
Article,
19.09.2023
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.
State Secretary and Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Helene Budliger Artieda, and the Slovak State Secretary of the Ministry of Investment, Regional Development and Digitalisation, Barbora Lukáčová, signed the last remaining bilateral cohesion agreement of the second Swiss contribution in Bratislava. The necessary basis now exists with all 13 EU partner states to develop the agreed programmes in detail and implement them by the end of 2029.
The second Swiss contribution is an investment in security, stability and prosperity in Europe. It aims to strengthen cohesion, reduce economic and social disparities and support countries under migratory pressure. The programmes are implemented by SECO, the SDC and SEM. Through this second contribution, Switzerland can enhance bilateral relations not only with the individual partner countries, but with the EU as a whole.
Article,
13.12.2023
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.
The launch event concludes an intensive 18 months period of preparing the foundation of the new Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme. Until 2029, Switzerland is providing over CHF 320 million to Poland for reducing social and economic disparities, promoting bilateral cooperation and strengthening knowledge exchange.
“The Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme has been jointly designed to create a positive long-term impact for Polish citizens and at the same time strengthen the ties between our two countries, enable lasting partnerships and promote the development of innovative solutions for a better world together”, said Ambassador Fabrice Filliez in his opening address.
Participants were presented with the funding opportunities in Poland in the coming years and had the chance to network and exchange ideas in view of the forthcoming calls for proposals. The Swiss Contribution in Poland is channelled through two programmes:
Development of Towns
CHF 278.7 million are dedicated to address the strategic needs of marginalized medium-sized Polish cities that are facing negative trends and challenges of different nature. Local authorities of selected cities will be assisted in developing and implementing long-term urban development strategies in close collaboration with citizens, civil society and the private sector for making these cities an inclusive and attractive place to live and work. The Programme furthermore aims to foster exchanges and partnerships with Swiss cities.
Research and Innovation
CHF 35 million are allocated for boosting research excellence as well as innovation capacities of Polish research institutions and the private sector in cooperation with Swiss and other international partners. The Programme offers funding opportunities for both basic and applied research projects.
The calls for applications in the Development of Towns Programme and Basic Research Programme are planned to be announced in January 2024. The first call for applications of the Applied Research Programme is scheduled for spring 2024.