Cooperation with Eastern Europe
Switzerland supports countries in the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia in creating good framework conditions for stability and prosperity. It leverages its unique expertise: for example, it supports reforms for decentralised governance and shares its expertise in vocational and professional education and training. Another focus is on mitigating climate change and adapting to its consequences.
Long-standing cooperation
Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, cooperation with Eastern Europe has been an integral part of Swiss foreign and foreign economic policy: The priority countries of the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia) have strong economic ties to Switzerland and a significant diaspora presence in the country. Initially, humanitarian aid was the focus in this region, which was gradually replaced by support for the transition to democratic, market-based systems and alignment with European standards and values. In the South Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia) and Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), Switzerland primarily promotes stability and security.
Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine is destabilising the entire region. Switzerland supports Ukraine’s path to peace, sustainable development, and recovery. Swiss companies can contribute significantly to Ukraine’s recovery process with their expertise, specialist knowledge, and innovative, high-quality products. Consequently, Switzerland has greatly increased its support and strengthened bilateral cooperation with Moldova, Ukraine’s directly affected neighbour.
Unique Swiss added value
Switzerland supports governments, the private sector and civil society in cooperation with other countries, the European Union (EU), development banks and United Nations (UN) organisations. It benefits from its long-standing presence and good reputation.
Switzerland’s thematic priorities align with areas where it offers unique expertise:
- Good governance (strengthening national and local institutions, public services, protection of minorities, and anti-corruption efforts);
- Economic development through private sector support and job creation, emphasising vocational and professional education and training;
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction and water management;
- Health.
In the years 2021-2024, Switzerland will have invested a total of CHF 1.025 billion in cooperation with Eastern Europe. This has contributed to significant progress in democracy, the rule of law and the market economy, promoting regional European integration. Most priority countries for Swiss international cooperation have become EU accession candidates or applied for membership.
When the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe (Eastern Europe Act) expires at the end of 2024, cooperation with Eastern Europe will be governed by the Federal Act on International Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid.
Swiss contribution to selected member states of the European Union
The second Swiss contribution is a key part of Switzerland’s European policy. It is an investment in cohesion, stability and prosperity in Europe. At the same time, Switzerland strengthens and deepens its bilateral relations with partner countries.
This CHF 1.302 billion contribution, running until 2029, supports countries that joined the EU since 2004 (EU-13) or face major migration movements. The aim is to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe and promote measures to cope with migration movements.
The contribution comprises two framework credits: the SDC and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) are responsible for the cohesion framework credit (CHF 1.0469 billion). CHF 190 million for migration measures managed by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
Contact
Eichenweg 5
3003 Bern