Switzerland has been supporting the Republic of Moldova since 2000 as an expression of solidarity, but also with a view to enhancing security and stability in Europe. SDC operates in Moldova based on a general framework agreement concerning humanitarian assistance and technical cooperation signed by the Governments of Switzerland and Moldova in 2001. 

Swiss Cooperation Programme in Moldova 2025-2028

Switzerland’s Cooperation Programme for the period 2025-28 aims at responding to the consequences of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, while supporting Moldova’s reforms on its trajectory towards European integration. 

The programme intends to improve the well-being of Moldova’s population and the cohesion of its society, with a special focus on the inclusion of disadvantaged groups. It essentially builds on existing successful projects and expands into selected areas not covered by other development partners, with a focus on Swiss added value. A greater emphasis will be placed on addressing climate change and on adapting to extreme weather events.

The programme has three priority areas: 

• Governance and Social Cohesion

Swiss-funded interventions support democracy and a peaceful, inclusive society by promoting the rule of law, civic engagement and social cohesion. Switzerland supports national authorities in improving governance in the areas of law-making, decentralisation, anti-corruption measures and the protection and integration of refugees and migrants. The programme also helps local authorities to better fulfil their mandates by focusing on the main needs of their constituencies. It empowers in particular women and young people in particular to engage in local development and civic activities. Finally, Swiss-funded interventions foster dialogue across societal divides and contribute to inclusive nation-building. 

• Economic Development and Resilience

Supported projects foster economic development and resilience by enhancing skills and promoting employment and income opportunities. Switzerland collaborates with ministries and private sector representatives to promote the framework conditions and skills relevant to the labour market and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Further areas of engagement include improving access to finance and helping smallholder farmers and SMEs cope with the consequences of the war inagainst Ukraine. Special emphasis is placed on the economic empowerment of women and the integration of refugees from Ukraine into the Moldovan labour market.

• Health and Local Public Services

Switzerland promotes the quality and accessibility of basic services for Moldovans and Ukrainian refugees with a focus on health and local public services. The programme engages with central and local public authorities, civil society organisations and communities to improve the efficiency and transparentcy provision of essential public services - such as water supply and solid -waste management - and of health services, including health promotion and disease prevention. Switzerland also supports Moldova in strengthening the capacity of the health system to better respond to future crises, with a particular focus on primary healthcare, emergency care and rehabilitation services. 

• Cross-cutting themes

Swiss-supported interventions promote good governance and gender equality. The programme applies the 'leave no one behind' approach of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Swiss interventions specifically target rural populations and vulnerable women and men, including refugees from Ukraine and Moldovans affected by the consequences of the war in Ukraine. 

Switzerland also continues to support grass-roots organisations and the culture sector, through the ‘Small Grants Programme’.

The annual budget of the Swiss Cooperation Programme for 2025-28 is expected to be more than twice as high as before the start of the war in Ukraine. The total budget for the implementation of the cooperation programme is planned to amount to CHF 104 million, with an annual budget of around CHF 26 million. The financial volume may vary depending on contextual changes and the availability of financial means.