As part of the second Swiss Contribution to selected EU member states, the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme (SBCP) contributes to the strategic reforms undertaken by Bulgaria, it aims at improving the lives of its people, and will strengthen existing and create new Swiss-Bulgarian partnerships between public institutions and private organisations at all levels. The SBCP targets areas where there are recognised needs of Bulgaria as well as opportunities for Switzerland to add value with its expertise and experience.
The Framework Agreement signed between the Swiss Federal Council and the Government of Bulgarian in September 2022 foresees 11 separate Programmes for:
- promoting economic growth and social dialogue, reducing (youth) unemployment;
- managing migration and supporting integration. Increasing public safety and security;
- protecting the environment and the climate;
- strengthening of social systems;
- civil engagement and transparency.
This second Swiss Contribution to Bulgaria amounts to 92.5 million Swiss francs, and all projects and initiatives have to be implemented until the end of 2029.
Scientific cooperation and exchange
The Swiss-Bulgarian Research Programme is the first Programme to have started implementation, on August 1, 2023, and promotes scientific cooperation and exchange between Bulgarian and Swiss researchers, connect research institutions internationally and encourage the attraction of promising young talents to Bulgaria.
The Programme, through three separate funding instruments, provides grants to researchers and research institutions from all disciplines for multilateral joint projects, visits to Swiss research institutions and support for young scholars. It is expected that more than 40 different research projects will to be supported under the three components of the programme.
The overall budget of the Programme is nearly 12 million Swiss francs, with a Swiss contribution of 85% (10 million Swiss francs). The programme is implemented by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Science Directorate of the Ministry of Education and Science.
