"Democratisation and strengthening the rule of law: Switzerland's engagement in Eastern Europe"

Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe supports the Western Balkans and selected countries of the former Soviet Union in their transition to democracy and a social market economy. Democracy creates the conditions for distributing power and resources fairly and preventing corruption. It can contribute to peaceful coexistence and sustainable economic development. In order for democracies and economies to develop, however, important state institutions must also be made more trustworthy and transparent. Citizens should be able to participate in political processes, decisions be made in a transparent manner, and governments be held to account for their actions. The promotion of democracy and favourable economic conditions is therefore an indispensable part of Swiss development cooperation. 

In Eastern Europe, Switzerland's main concern is to strengthen legitimate and democratic institutions, such as parliaments, and consolidate the rule of law. But what are the limits of Swiss involvement? What are the challenges? And how do democracy, the rule of law and economic growth relate to each other?

On the panel:

• Corina Eichenberger-Walther, National Councillor, FDP

• Yvonne Feri, National Councillor SP

• Regina Kiener, Professor of law, University of Zurich

• Edwin Schneeberger, CEO Tissa Glasweber AG

• Ruth Huber, Assistant Director, Head of Cooperation with Eastern Europe Department, SDC

• Ivo Germann, Head of Operations, Economic Cooperation and Development Division, SECO

• Ursula Läubli, Head of Swiss cooperation office in Serbia, Swiss embassy in Belgrade

• Andrea Iff, Democratisation, Decentralisation and Local Governance specialist, SDC