Since 1991, Switzerland has maintained an active cooperation presence in Serbia, supporting the country’s transition and reforms. Over the past three decades, Swiss cooperation has evolved into a broad partnership that includes development assistance, economic engagement, cultural exchange, and social programmes.

With financial support exceeding CHF 650 million, Switzerland remains one of Serbia’s most important bilateral partners. Serbia will continue to be a priority country for Swiss cooperation in Eastern Europe in the coming years.

The Cooperation Office is part of the Embassy of Switzerland, in charge of coordinating, overseeing and steering the Cooperation Program 2026 – 2029 which is jointly implemented by various Swiss federal institutions:

• The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), a directorate of the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
• The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research,
• The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) of the Swiss Federal Department for Justice and Police.

Building on the long-term presence in the country and earlier accomplishments, a new Cooperation Programme with a total budget of approximately CHF 88 million, strengthens Serbia’s resilience and inclusive development and supports European integration.

The Program focuses on three priority areas:

• Democratic Local Governance and Engaged Civic Sector,
• Economic Development and Employment,
• Climate Change and Resilient Cities.

In addition, within the Migration Partnership, signed in 2009 between Serbia and Switzerland, initiatives to strengthen migration governance and management are ongoing in the coming years.

The Swiss Cooperation Programme in Serbia aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals under the Agenda 2030 and complements the efforts of Serbia in implementing its Reform Agenda to the EU Growth Plan. It underscores the importance of political ownership, accountability, and constructive dialogue among institutions, civil society, and the private sector in support of reforms.

As of Summer 2026, Mr. Philipp Beutler is the Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Serbia, while his Deputy is Mrs. Katrin Ochsenbein.