The Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme, which is implemented as part of Switzerland’s second contribution to selected EU member states, is aimed at reducing economic and social disparities in Hungary. The programme is implemented by the Hungarian authorities in close cooperation with the Swiss Contribution Office, which operates as an integral unit of the Embassy of Switzerland in Budapest.

Continuing a long tradition of cooperation

Building on the historically good relationship between Switzerland and Hungary and the success of the first Swiss Contribution implemented between 2007 and 2017, a new Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme was started in 2022. The aims of the programme are to reduce economic and social disparities in Hungary and to strengthen bilateral relations through the direct involvement of governmental and non-governmental organizations and enterprises from Switzerland and Hungary.

The second Swiss Contribution to Hungary amounts to 87.6 million Swiss francs and will end in 2029. At least 50% of the Funds will be dedicated to less developed regions of Hungary.

Cooperation in eight thematic fields

The Cooperation Programme will contribute to a variety of thematic schemes in Hungary and will 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, supporting small and middle-sized enterprises, fighting against human trafficking, investments in energy efficiency and renewable geothermal energy, water and wastewater management, health and social protection and minorities.

The role of the Swiss Contribution Office

The projects and programmes of the Swiss Contribution are approved by the Swiss authorities, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) at the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. The Swiss Contribution Office (SCO) is a small unit at the Swiss Embassy in Budapest, closely monitoring and directly supporting the development of projects and programmes approved by Switzerland in collaboration with the National Coordination Unit (NCU) of the National Development Centre at the Hungarian Ministry of Public Administration and Regional Development and the Hungarian partners. Emerging challenges are dealt with in a timely and transparent manner, and appropriate measures are taken quickly. Important points of cooperation are discussed at regular meetings between the NCU and the SCO and, if necessary, with the project partners. An annual SDC/SECO review with the NCU and ad-hoc technical missions ensure a tight cooperation with the NCU and Hungarian partners on the basis of regulations.