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Goals

Vocational school students baking pastries
Vocational education and training is a priority theme of the second Swiss contribution. © SDC

The Swiss contribution is an investment in Europe's security, stability and prosperity. Switzerland is thereby helping to strengthen European cohesion and to better manage migratory flows. The EU and its member states are our most important partners both in economic and political terms. The positive economic and social development of the EU member states therefore also benefits Switzerland. 

The projects contribute to the following five objectives:

Woman farmer planting seedlings.

Economic growth, social partnerships and the reduction of unemployment

Switzerland promotes vocational training, research and innovation, and access to finance for SMEs.

A policeman listens to a woman.

Migration management, integration and public safety

Switzerland is helping to address the challenges posed by refugee- and migration-related issues. In the field of public safety, for example, it is contributing to the fight against crime. 

Passengers sitting in a tram.

Protecting the environment and tackling climate change

Switzerland supports the further development of public transport and drinking water supply and wastewater treatment systems, as well as energy-efficient construction, the use of renewable energies, environmentally sound waste disposal and nature conservation.

A doctor with a mother and her baby

Social services and healthcare systems

Switzerland promotes measures to strengthen public healthcare systems and health and social services for the elderly, children and minorities. 

Disabled workers making a wheelchair

Civic engagement and transparency

Swiss support for civic engagement strengthens both citizens' ability to influence democratic processes and the provision of environmental and social services.

Thematic breakdown of the Swiss contribution

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) are responsible for the implementation of cohesion-related projects. Projects in the priority area of vocational education and training are implemented in close cooperation with the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is responsible for implementing projects in the field of migration.

Switzerland's estimated administrative expenditures over ten years represent 5% of the total amount of Switzerland's contribution (CHF 1.302 billion). An additional CHF 22 million has been earmarked for institutions/organisations outside the Federal Administration which contribute their Swiss expertise to the projects. The aim here is to bolster bilateral relations with partner countries, provide the necessary specialist know-how and ensure both the quality and sustainability of the projects and programmes. 

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Last update 22.11.2021