Switzerland and Hungary start new cooperation

Article, 08.11.2022

On 8 November 2022 Swiss Ambassador Jean-François Paroz and the Hungarian Minister for Regional Development, Dr. Tibor Navracsics officially signed the Framework Agreement for the new Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme in Budapest, in the presence of Ms. Andrea Studer, Assistant Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The programme, which is part of Switzerland’s second contribution to selected EU member states, aims at reducing economic and social disparities in Hungary. The signing of the agreement is an important milestone in the long tradition of cooperation between Switzerland and Hungary.

Swiss Ambassador Jean-François Paroz and the Hungarian Minister for Regional Development, Dr. Tibor Navracsics sign the Framework Agreement for the new Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme in Budapest, on 8 November 2022.
Swiss Ambassador Jean-François Paroz and the Hungarian Minister for Regional Development, Dr. Tibor Navracsics sign the Framework Agreement for the new Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme in Budapest, on 8 November 2022. © Dávid Harangozó

A long tradition of cooperation continues

Based on the historically good relationship between Switzerland and Hungary, the new Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme will further strengthen bilateral cooperation through the direct involvement of governmental and non-governmental organizations and enterprises from Switzerland and Hungary. The new programme will be implemented between 2022 and 2029, building on the success of the first Swiss Contribution.

The second Swiss Contribution to Hungary amounts to 87.6 million Swiss francs. At least 50% of the Funds will be dedicated to less developed regions of Hungary.

Visit to a palliative care institution at the South-Pest Hospital Centre

The Swiss delegation visited a palliative care institution South-Pest Hospital Centre in Budapest. Switzerland will support the development of palliative care institutions and services in Hungary based on Hungarian professional experience and expertise. The overarching goal is to improve the quality of life of incurable patients and their families. The management of the institution informed the members of the delegation on professional activities and the representatives of the line ministry presented the strategic goals of the palliative care programme.

Cooperation in eight thematic fields

The aim of the cooperation programme is to contribute to reforms in Hungary and to promote existing and new Swiss-Hungarian partnerships. The Swiss contribution focuses on areas in which Hungary has a proven need and where Switzerland can create added value with its expertise and experience. Thematically, it will focus on vocational education and training, research cooperation, SME support, fighting against human trafficking, investment in energy efficiency and renewable geothermal energy, water and wastewater management, health and social protection and minorities.