Partnerships

In the context of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states, Switzerland is keen to attract Swiss partner institutions and organisations for projects and programmes in partner countries in order to foster the exchange of experience. The active contribution of Swiss institutions and organisations in the design and implementation of activities strengthens bilateral relations. This includes partnerships with cantonal authorities and other public and private organisations in Switzerland. 

Such partnerships enable cooperation projects to take better advantage of Swiss expertise. Dual vocational education and training and the migration and asylum system are the main focuses for the Swiss contribution, however the contribution also seeks to promote climate protection, waste management, private sector financing, research, social services and healthcare, civic involvement and public security. In all of these areas, the contribution seeks to foster partnerships between local and Swiss partners, and to directly involve institutions/organisations in Switzerland with specific expertise. Of the total amount of CHF 1.102 billion, at least 2% is earmarked for project-related Swiss expertise from institutions/organisations outside the Federal Administration and for other implementation measures to be agreed with the partner countries. 

So far, no new projects or programmes in partner countries have been selected under the second Swiss contribution. It is therefore not possible at this stage to provide information on specific partnerships. We recommend that as an interested organisation or institution you consult our website, which will be updated with more information on the procedure for partnerships from mid-2020. The website also features updates on the current status of the second Swiss contribution. 

Project selection

The partner countries draw up proposals for projects and programmes. Switzerland then reviews and approves them. This is to ensure that support measures are in line with partner countries' priorities and strategies. In most cases, the partner countries select the projects and programmes through a competitive process, inviting institutions and organisations (e.g. municipalities, regional and national authorities, NGOs and international organisations) to submit project proposals. 

Therefore Switzerland cannot directly finance ideas by Swiss organisations or institutions for projects in an EU member state supported by the Swiss contribution. If your organisation works with a local partner institution, you can contact the national coordinating body in the partner country through this institution to notify it of ideas for potential projects. 

More information on how Swiss organisations can become partners in a project or programme can be found in the partnership FAQ above. 

No project submissions are currently possible in the partner countries. From mid-2020 our website will feature regular updates on the current status of the second Swiss contribution. 

Call for tenders

All tenders for construction, supply and services contracts for projects financed under the Swiss contribution or the EU structural and cohesion funds are also open to Swiss companies. 

The awarding of contracts for supplies and services is a process that takes place after projects have been selected and approved. The project executing agency issues, in accordance with applicable domestic and international guidelines (national, EU and WTO regulations), a public tender for the construction, supplies and services contracts needed for the project. 

Where the EU rules apply, the entire procurement procedure is subject to obligations regarding information and transparency. In such cases, calls for tender are published not only in the partner countries but also throughout the EU. At the end of the tendering procedure, the executing agency signs the necessary supply and services contracts with the selected providers.