Federal Act on Cooperation with Eastern Europe accepted in popular vote

26.11.2006 — Local news EB

The Federal Council has welcomed the acceptance in the popular vote of the Federal Act on Cooperation with Eastern Europe. They regard the result as an expression of Switzerland's solidarity with the region and as a contribution to the creation of a stable and socially oriented Europe. At the same time, they note, this commitment amounts to a political and economic investment in Switzerland's own interests and for its benefit.

Le Conseil fédéral recommande l’acceptationde la loi sur la coopération avec l’Europe de l’Est

26.09.2006 — Local news EB

Le Conseil fédéral a recommandé mardi à Flims l’acceptation de la loi fédérale sur la coopération avec l’Europe de l’Est, soumise à votation le 26 novembre 2006. Cette coopération est un instrument important pour la défense des intérêts de la Suisse en Europe. Il n’en découlera pas de charge supplémentaire pour le contribuable suisse. Le Conseil fédéral était représenté par les Conseillères fédérales Micheline Calmy-Rey et Doris Leuthard, ainsi que par le Conseiller fédéral Hans-Rudolf Merz.

Financement de la contribution de la Suisse à la réduction des inégalités économiques et sociales dans l’UE élargie

16.06.2006 — Local news EB

Le Conseil fédéral s’est prononcé vendredi sur le financement de la contribution en faveur des dix nouveaux membres de l’UE. La contribution n’aura globalement pas d’incidence sur le budget et n’entraînera pas de réduction de l’aide publique au développement destinée aux pays les plus pauvres.

Contribution de la Suisse à l’UE élargie: Signature du Mémoire d’entente

27.02.2006 — Local news EB

Le Mémoire d’entente concernant la contribution de la Suisse à l’UE élargie a été signé lundi à Bruxelles. Le Mémoire fixe les modalités générales de l’engagement suisse en faveur des dix nouveaux Etats membres de l’UE. Le document a été signé du côté suisse par la Conseillère fédérale Mme Micheline Calmy-Rey et du côté de l’UE par la Ministre autrichienne des affaires étrangères en charge de la Présidence du Conseil, Mme Ursula Plassnik, ainsi que par la Commissaire européenne aux relations extérieures, Mme Benita Ferrero-Waldner.

La Suisse envisage une contribution de cohésion à l'UE élargie

12.05.2004 — Local news EB

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

20.01.2020 — Press release 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 release 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 release 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 release 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 release 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 release 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 release 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 release 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 release EB

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.

Switzerland’s enlargement contribution rated highly

21.03.2016 — Press release EDA
An independent evaluation has confirmed the federal authorities responsible have achieved good results in implementing Switzerland’s enlargement contribution to the new EU member states. The in-depth assessment showed that the projects, of which there are some 300, are making a positive contribution towards promoting social and economic development in the 13 partner states. The objectives are being attained or even exceeded in the vast majority of projects. Various recommendations encourage further efficiency and greater thematic and geographic focus.

Swiss-EU relations at the focus of visit to Malta and Slovakia by the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

09.03.2016 — Press release EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Didier Burkhalter, met with his Maltese counterpart George W. Vella on Wednesday in Valletta. The two foreign ministers mainly discussed the issue of Switzerland's relationship with the European Union (EU) and the political situation in the Mediterranean region. The Federal Councillor then gave a speech at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies on mediation and Switzerland's policy of providing good offices.

Contribution to the enlarged EU: signing of bilateral framework agreement with Croatia

30.06.2015 — Press release EDA
On 30 June 2015 in Zagreb, Switzerland and Croatia signed the bilateral framework agreement which regulates the substance and implementation of the Swiss enlargement contribution to Croatia. Switzerland has allocated CHF 45 million to support projects in Croatia, in particular in the fields of water treatment, supply of drinking water, research and vocational education and training.

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

20.01.2020 — EB
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 EB
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 EB
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 EB
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 EB
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 EB
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 EB
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 EB
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 EB
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.

Funding and support programme for Croatian SMEs

04.02.2019 — Article EB
By contributing to the Croatian Eurostars programme, Switzerland supports international research and development undertaken by Croatian SMEs in cooperation with European partners. Successful applicants can use the funding to develop innovative products, processes and services and launch them on the market. Eurostars projects also help create new jobs.

Mobile dam project in Hungary presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos

22.01.2019 — Article EB
The River Tisza in north-eastern Hungary regularly bursts its banks after heavy rains. In order to limit the devastation caused by flooding, Switzerland has financed several risk reduction measures by way of its contribution to the enlarged EU. Mobile dams from Swiss company Beaver Protection Systems Ltd have proven a viable solution for the situation there. It is therefore being presented as a model at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

In Croatia's woods 3,585 mines have been defused

20.12.2018 — Article EB
Mines and other explosive remnants of war are a dangerous legacy from Croatia's 1991–96 war and compromise the safety of the local people. Integrating mine victims economically and socially is a challenge for Croatian society. Switzerland's demining project under its enlargement contribution aims to improve life quality for people living in mined areas.