Results country programmes in EU-12 countries

Promoting renewable energy, creating employment and strengthening civil society: the final review of Switzerland's enlargement contribution summarises the results of the Swiss-backed projects.

Un seul monde 1/2020

Sécurité en Europe de l'Est: La question est importante pour la Suisse / Laos: Un pays à vendre / Migration et développement: Une relation controversée

Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU: 2018 Annual Report

Information on the results achieved in the last three remaining country programmes that are still under way, e.g. mine clearance in Croatia, the promotion of SMEs in Romania and decommissioned trams from Basel improving Bulgaria's public transport system. The report also briefly explains the background to the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member countries.

Swiss Enlargement Contribution: Annual Report 2017

The ten countries that joined the EU in 2004 have completed their projects under the enlargement contribu-tion. SECO and the SDC have taken stock of the last decade and published the results in their 2017 annual report. The projects have made a significant contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in Europe. Switzerland was also able to use its expertise to make a meaningful contribution to a number of projects.

Un seul monde 4/2014

Gouvernance locale / Roms / Afghanistan

The Swiss enlargement contribution in a changed environment – now and in the future

Partnership funds in the new EU member states

The Swiss Enlargement Contribution Interim report for the end of the commitment period in Bulgaria and Romania 2009–2014

Boosting research in ten EU member states

Better Career Prospects for Bulgarian Youths thanks to Dual Vocational Education Training

NGO fund in twelve EU member states

Better Quality of Life for Roma Communities in Bulgaria

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

20.01.2020 –
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.

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

20.01.2020 – Press releases
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.

Vocational training to counter skills shortage in Bulgaria

04.11.2019 – Article
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.

2018 annual report on Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU

08.05.2019 – Article
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.

Strengthening human rights-based policing in Bulgaria

08.03.2019 – Article
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. 

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Romania and Bulgaria

11.09.2018 – Article
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis' trip focused on talks with high-ranking government representatives on bilateral issues, European policy and cooperation to date within the framework of Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU. In order to obtain an overview of work on the ground he also visited two projects partly funded by Switzerland's enlargement contribution.

One billion well invested

05.06.2018 – Article
The ten countries that joined the EU in 2004 have completed their projects under the enlargement contribution. SECO and the SDC have taken stock of the last decade and published the results in their 2017 annual report. The projects have made a significant contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in Europe. Switzerland was also able to use its expertise to make a meaningful contribution to a number of projects.

Sustainable integration of Roma through local institutions

27.04.2018 – Article
10% of the Bulgarian population is Roma, but they are almost invisible in public live and are rarely represented in institutions. Most live in deprived urban areas and are socially isolated. Their children are often not in school because there is none nearby. Those who do attend school encounter major difficulties related to discrimination and to learning a new language, and do not complete their education. Access to basic healthcare is also problematic, leading to epidemics and other health issues.

Consultation on a second Swiss contribution

28.03.2018 –
At its meeting on 28 March 2018, the Federal Council decided to initiate the consultation procedure on a second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. With this contribution, Switzerland aims to continue to contribute to the reduction of economic and social disparities in the EU member states. Last year, the Federal Council set two priorities for this contribution: vocational education and training and migration.

Linking regional development and nature protection

20.02.2018 – Article
Creating jobs and prospects through environmental protection: Switzerland supported this innovative approach in Bulgaria. The project entitled ‘Linking Nature, Protection and Sustainable Rural Development’ promoted, among other things, organic farming methods, regional products and ecotourism in the poorest region of the EU.

Dual education certificate opens career doors for young people in Bulgaria

27.11.2017 – Article

Switzerland supports Bulgaria in implementing a dual vocational education and training system. Based on the close collaboration of private companies, government representatives and vocational schools, the project aims to establish a system that is based on the Swiss model and simultaneously fits the Bulgarian context. In 2017, the first graduates received their diplomas.  

Focus on European policy and bilateral issues during presidential visit to Bulgaria

02.11.2017 – Press releases
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.

Bulgary: Sustainable integration of the Roma

The voice of Roma educators

The Swiss contribution in brief

Information on Switzerland’s contribution to the enlarged EU: a brief presentation including project examples.

Bulgaria: Home Care