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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cultural mediators to support the Italian police and migration authorities

21.08.2023 — Local news Schweizer Beitrag
In 2023, Italy has been facing a high number of disembarkations. In order to facilitate communication between migrants, police and migration authorities, Italy works together with cultural mediators. Switzerland finances the deployment of cultural mediators with the Rapid Response Fund of the Second Swiss Contribution.

Procurement information: Advance notification of backstopping tender in the environmental and climate protection sector

30.06.2023 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
Switzerland is allocating CHF 1.302 billion towards projects under its Second Contribution to selected EU member states. The bulk of Switzerland's Second Contribution (CHF 1.102 billion) is earmarked for projects aimed at reducing economic and social disparities in the 13 states that have joined the EU since 2004. Of this amount, around CHF 400 million is reserved for projects in the field of environmental and climate protection for the benefit of Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary. 

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.

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.

Migration Framework Credit: Federal Councillor Keller-Sutter signs implementation agreement with Cyprus

31.10.2022 — Press releases Europa
Switzerland will support Cyprus with specific projects and programmes related to migration from 2023 to 2026. Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter and the Cypriot Minister of Interior Nicos Nouris signed an agreement to this effect in Bern on 31 October. The two countries are deepening their cooperation through the Migration Framework Credit, which is part of Switzerland's second contribution to selected EU member states. The framework credit provides targeted support to EU countries that are subject to serious migratory pressure. Cyprus will receive CHF 10 million.

Second Swiss contribution: Federal Council approves implementation agreements between Switzerland and eight EU states

31.08.2022 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council approved the bilateral implementation agreements for the Swiss contribution to cohesion in Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Malta, Romania and Poland on 31 August 2022. The agreements provide the basis for Switzerland's cooperation programmes in those areas where its support will add value. Now that the agreements have been approved, Switzerland can move into the operational stage.

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.

Cultural mediators to support the Italian police and migration authorities

21.08.2023 — Local news Schweizer Beitrag
In 2023, Italy has been facing a high number of disembarkations. In order to facilitate communication between migrants, police and migration authorities, Italy works together with cultural mediators. Switzerland finances the deployment of cultural mediators with the Rapid Response Fund of the Second Swiss Contribution.

Procurement information: Advance notification of backstopping tender in the environmental and climate protection sector

30.06.2023 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
Switzerland is allocating CHF 1.302 billion towards projects under its Second Contribution to selected EU member states. The bulk of Switzerland's Second Contribution (CHF 1.102 billion) is earmarked for projects aimed at reducing economic and social disparities in the 13 states that have joined the EU since 2004. Of this amount, around CHF 400 million is reserved for projects in the field of environmental and climate protection for the benefit of Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary. 

Switzerland and Cyprus sign Implementation Agreement for second Swiss contribution

12.12.2022 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
The Swiss Ambassador in Nicosia and the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Cyprus signed an Implementation Agreement for Switzerland’s cohesion support under the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member States. Switzerland will co-finance three projects to prevent domestic violence, to provide comprehensive care for people living with rare diseases and to support the Committee on Missing Persons.

Switzerland and Estonia conclude bilateral Cooperation Programme

21.11.2022 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
On 21 November 2022, the Swiss Ambassador and the Estonian Minister of Finance signed the Implementation Agreement for the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme under the second Swiss Contribution to selected EU member States. Switzerland will co-finance with 26 million Swiss francs two programmes aiming at fostering integration and social inclusion and the second at safeguarding of the biodiversity.

Switzerland and Hungary start new cooperation

08.11.2022 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
On 8 November 2022 Swiss Ambassador Jean-François Paroz and the Hungarian Minister for Regional Development, Dr. Tibor Navracsics officially signed the Framework Agreement for the new Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme in Budapest, in the presence of Ms. Andrea Studer, Assistant Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The programme, which is part of Switzerland’s second contribution to selected EU member states, aims at reducing economic and social disparities in Hungary. The signing of the agreement is an important milestone in the long tradition of cooperation between Switzerland and Hungary.

Cooperation with Croatia enters second round

18.10.2022 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
On 18 October 2022, Swiss Ambassador Urs Hammer and the Croatian Minister for Regional Development and EU Funds, Nataša Tramišak, signed the implementation agreement for their cooperation programme in the presence of Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman. The cooperation with Croatia can thus continue seamlessly within the framework of the second Swiss contribution. The signing marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Croatia.

Switzerland and Bulgaria sign the first bilateral implementation agreement under the second Swiss contribution

20.09.2022 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
On 20 September 2022, the Swiss Ambassador Raymund Furrer and Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister for European funds Atanas Pekanov signed the bilateral implementation agreement establishing the new Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme. In the light of the second Swiss contribution, Bulgaria is the first of the 15 EU Member States that is signing the bilateral implementation agreement. Switzerland and Bulgaria will collaborate on joint initiatives in a number of areas important for the Bulgarian development.

Official visit of the President of Slovakia

10.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf received the President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič in Bern on an official visit. President Gašparovič was accompanied by the Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Miroslav Lajčák, who met his opposite number Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter for a working meeting. Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann met the Slovak Minister for Economic Affairs Tomáš Malatinský, who was also part of the official delegation.

Official visit to Bern by the Hungarian Foreign Minister János Martonyi

03.09.2012 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), today received his Hungarian counterpart Janos Martonyi for an official working visit at the Von Wattenwyl House in Bern. In addition to bilateral relations, the talks covered the European policy of both countries, aspects of multilateral cooperation, and current international issues.

Additional energy efficiency project signed

31.08.2012 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

In August 2012 Switzerland signed the final infrastructure project with Hungary. The results of a first infrastructure project concluded in 2009 are already visible.

Swiss Enlargement Contribution: 210 Projects approved within the Funding-Commitment Period

18.06.2012 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has approved a total of 210 projects in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe that became EU-Member States (EU-10) in 2004, with the aim of contributing to the reduction of the economic and social disparities in the enlarged European Union. In so doing, Switzerland has fulfilled the objective set down for the first phase of the Enlargement Contribution, namely that of concluding – within the commitment deadline of 14 June 2012 - project agreements with the EU-10 in whose financing it would participate with a total amount of CHF 1 billion. Following the five-year funding commitment period, the implementation phase is now to follow. This latter phase is scheduled to come to an end in June 2017, the deadline by which the projects agreed upon are obliged to have been concluded.

Annual Report 2011 SECO/SDC on Switzerland's contribution to EU enlargement

25.04.2012 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

The approval process for projects within the frame of the Switzerland’s Enlargement Contribution unfolded in a satisfactory manner. The number of definitively approved projects virtually doubled in comparison with last year. Numerous projects that had been approved in the previous years were able to be further implemented according to plan.

Switzerland’s Enlargement Contribution to Latvia fully committed

05.03.2012 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

The signing of the last project agreement in the frame of the Swiss Enlargement Contribution to Latvia took place in Riga on 1 February 2012. This event means that the entire amount of the CHF 60 million of Switzerland’s Enlargement Contribution earmarked for Latvia has now been fully committed.

Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann on Poland visit

29.02.2012 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann was in Poland from 15 to 17 February for a series of working meetings. During his visit he met the Minister of Regional Development, Elżbieta Bieńkowska, whose portfolio includes the Swiss enlargement contribution.

The Scholarship Fund Sciex-NMS.ch: Four Academics provide an Insight into the Programme

01.02.2012 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

It was back in 2009 that the first of over 450 academicians from the new EU-Member States were accepted into the scholarship programme of the Swiss Enlargement Contribution. The transnational scholarship fund is endowed with an overall budget of CHF 45 million, thus making it possible for young, talented researchers to effectuate a maximum two-year stay in Switzerland on a research fellowship. Four scholars provide an insight into their stay, thereby giving the Programme a concrete face.

Conclusion of agreements to improve health care provision in Lithuania

21.12.2011 — Local news Schweizer Beitrag

On 20 December 2011, Switzerland and Lithuania signed two project agreements to improve the provision of health care to mothers and children in Lithuania. Switzerland is contributing a total of CHF 45.6 million to the two projects.

Poland is starting the implementation of infrastructure projects

15.12.2011 — Local news Schweizer Beitrag

Nine projects in the area of basic infrastructure and environmental protection with a total value of almost CHF 110 million were approved in the year 2011. The first priority is improving waste management at the communal level. A second priority concerns measures to promote renewable energies. Efforts will also be made to improve the safety and reliability of public regional transport.

Enhancing the reliability of environmental data in Estonia

24.11.2011 — Local news Schweizer Beitrag

On 24 November 2011, Switzerland and Estonia signed the first project agreement in the domain of “Environment and Infrastructure”. The project will enable the Estonian authorities to better monitor water quality, air pollution and radioactivity levels, and to localize natural hazards. Switzerland is supporting the project with a total contribution of CHF 8.5 million.

Hungary: two projects for tourism development approved

14.11.2011 — Local news Schweizer Beitrag

As part of its enlargement contribution, Switzerland is supporting two tourism projects to strengthen so-called destination management organisations (DMO) in the economic development areas of Northern Hungary and the Northern Great Plain. Both projects focus on medicinal and cultural tourism, and a total of CHF 2 million will be invested in improving tourist services.

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.