On 28 August 2023 in Ljubljana, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis signed an agreement on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution. The agreement provides for the financing of projects aimed at improving Slovenia's energy efficiency and developing its renewable energy resources.
Flanked by the Slovenian minister for cohesion and regional development, Aleksander Jevšek, Mr Cassis underlined the strong ties between Switzerland and Slovenia. The partnership will be underwritten by CHF 16 million in cohesion credits from SECO until 2029 as part of the second Swiss contribution. Its objective is to boost Slovenia's energy efficiency and develop renewable energy resources. Swiss funding and expertise will help to create, among other things, a national digital platform to improve oversight of energy planning and to run pilot projects to build solar energy capacity on agricultural land.
Switzerland's contribution to selected EU member states – an investment in Europe's security, stability and prosperity – is part of the broader framework of relations with the EU. Between 2007 and 2017, Switzerland had already provided CHF 21 million in funding for various projects in Slovenia. Following on from this contribution to EU enlargement, Switzerland and Slovenia have jointly defined the themes and funded the projects on which they plan to cooperate.
The second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states, implemented by SECO, the SDC and SEM, is an investment in security, stability and prosperity in Europe. It is aimed at bolstering cohesion, reducing economic and social disparities, and supporting countries that face major migration flows. Through this contribution, Switzerland can strengthen and deepen bilateral relations with its partner countries and the EU as a whole.
The annex contains the structure particular to each country, defining thematic and geographical allocations of the funds, specific rules agreed between Switzerland and Slovenia, as well as the assignment of responsibilities and tasks to all bodies involved in implementing the Swiss-Slovenian cooperation programme. It also contains information on how the Swiss contribution is used in the field of international cooperation.
Framework Agreement with Slovenia (PDF, 17 Pages, 501.5 kB, English)
