The overall objective of the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme is to contribute to the reduction of the economic and social disparities within the EU and within Romania, building upon and further strengthening the bilateral relations between the countries.

Switzerland works to reduce disparities in Europe and help its partner countries manage migration, with a focus on:

a) Promoting economic growth and social dialogue, reducing (youth) unemployment;

b) Managing migration and supporting integration. Increasing public safety and security;

c) Protecting the environment and the climate;

d) Strengthening of social systems;

e) Civic engagement and transparency

Switzerland agrees to grant a contribution to Romania of up to CHF 221.5 million. 

Yes, the minimum national cofinancing is 15% for all the Programmes/Support Measures of the second Swiss contribution to Romania, except for the Civic Engagement Programme, where no co-financing is foreseen. 

The implementation period ends on 3 December 2029, inclusive. Funds not used by this date shall no longer be available to Romania. 

11 Programmes (also called Support Measures) will be carried out with the support of the Swiss contribution:

1)  Vocational and professional education and training (Dual VET )

2) and 3) Research & Innovation (divided into 2 separate programmes)

4) Financing for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

5) Improving Public Safety and Security (Internal Affairs)

6) Improving Public Safety and Security (Justice)

7) Energy efficiency and renewable energy 

8) Public transport

9) Health and social protection

10) Minorities and socially disadvantaged groups

11)  Civic engagement and transparency

Programmes/Support Measures implemented in Romania shall respect social inclusion and ensure environmental sustainability.

In Switzerland, the 2 main actors are the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

In Romania, the main contact point is the National Coordination Unit (NCU) within the Ministry of Finance. For each Programme/Support Measure (except the one dedicated to Civic engagement and transparency), the Romanian government has appointed a Programme Operator.

The Swiss Contribution Office (SCO) within the Embassy of Switzerland in Romania ensures smooth communication between the actors in the two contries and supports both programming and implementation of the Programmes/Support Measures.

A Support Measure is a generic term and means a specific Project, Programme or Technical Support within the framework of the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme.

The Technical Support means part of the Swiss contribution provided under a bilateral Cooperation Programme for the preparation of Support Measures/Programmes and for the efficient and effective implementation of the bilateral Cooperation Programme.

10 out of 11 Support Measures of the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme are implemented by Romanian institutions (with the exception of the Civic Engagement Programme). The National Coordination Unit (NCU, Ministry of Finances), and the Programme Operators (PO) are designated by Romania for each Support Measure. The appointed Programmes Operators are: 

1. Dual Vet Programme - Ministry of Education         

2. and 3. Research Programme Romania  - Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalization

4. Strengthening SMEs through enhanced access to finance Programme - Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism

5. Public Security and Safety Programme - Ministry of Internal Affairs

6. Public Security and Safety Programme  - Ministry of Justice

7. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programme - Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration 

8. Improvement of Access to the Bucharest Metro Network Programme - Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration is the Programme Operator but this Support Measure will be implemented by METROREX SA

9. Health Services Programme - Ministry of Health

10. Social Inclusion Programme - Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity

11. Civic Engagement Programme - Consortium composed by Civil Society Development Foundation (CSDF), Romanian Environmental Partnership Fund (REPF) and KEK-CDC 

The Swiss Contribution Office (Embassy of Switzerland in Romania) in Bucharest is the principal contact point for the National Coordination Unit (NCU) for the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme.

All the projects implemented under the second Swiss contribution to Romania shall foster ties between both countries at national and sub-national levels as well as between cities, municipalities (relevant national, regional and local authorities), universities, research institutions, schools (academic institutions), civil society and private sector organisations, and other involved institutions and people working in the field of thematic areas in which there is a mutual interest.

At least 50% of the Contribution should go to less-favoured regions of Romania, namely North-East, South-East, South (Muntenia), South-West (Oltenia), North-West and Centre.

The expected launch of the programmes is 2024. However, each Support Measure will follow its own calendar of approval. 

Each Support Measure/Programme of the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme will list eligible and potential beneficiaries, depending on the scope of activities established by Romania. 

The financial flows are based on reimbursement, except justified cases, for 10 out of 11 Support Measures (except the Civic Engagement Programme). 

The second Swiss contribution encourages partnerships and the exchange of expertise between actors from Romania and Switzerland. Conditions of eligibility will be developed for each Support Measure.