A chance for innovative thinkers in Romania

22.03.2018 — Article Schweizer Beitrag
Romania is grappling with brain drain. Switzerland has contributed CHF 24.5 million to a loan fund to improve job prospects in Romania. Some 300 local SMEs were granted up to CHF 300,000 credit until the end of 2017, which secured around 3,300 jobs.

Swiss know-how in support to the development of institutional capacity of the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration

22.11.2017 — Local news Romania

The Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration (GII) implemented over 18 months period starting 2015, the second phase of the project on the assistance to the asylum seekers. The project, conducted with the support of the Swiss partner structures in the field has marked its closure by a Conference held on November 22nd in the presence of the many involved actors.

Switzerland committed to the fight on anti-trafficking of human beings in Romania

21.11.2017 — Local news Romania

Launching the Project “Tandem with NGOs to support victims of trafficking in human beings – TaNGO”! The project, launched on November 21^st is the expression of a longstanding and successful bilateral cooperation between Switzerland and Romania, in the Security sector. With a total grant of 499’600 Swiss francs, through the Swiss Contribution to the enlarged European Union, TaNGO is based on the need to provide comprehensive and integrated services to the victims of trafficking in human beings in Romania. 

Integrated export services for SMEs in Romania

31.10.2017 — Local news Romania

Bucharest, October 24, 2017: launching of the selection process for 80 producers in the field of wood furniture and ecological agriculture, who will benefit from a complete export training program within the project "Integrated export services for SMEs in Romania", financed by Switzerland through the Swiss Contribution under the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Program.

1st Prize to the first mountain-bike trail in Romania built with Swiss Funds

29.09.2017 — Local news Romania

“Transylvania Bike Trails for revitalising Tarnava Mare cultural heritage”, project implemented by ADEPT Foundation under the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme in the frame of the Swiss Contribution to the Enlarged European Union, has won the European Cultural Tourism Award - Sustainable Cultural Tourism Destination 2017 awarded by the European Cultural Tourism Network. The project has been co-financed in its different stages through grants from Switzerland and Norway. 

Swiss know-how and non-reimbursable funds to develop the subway in Bucharest

28.09.2017 — Local news Romania

Amberg Engineering A.G. in Consortium with Metroul S.A. have signed with METROREX a contract for design, assistance and specialised consultancy services on the Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility studies, for the construction of the M4 Line of the metro system in Bucharest: Gara de Nord – Gara Progresu.

The Red Button Saves Lives! A project brought to life through a grant from Switzerland

28.09.2017 — Local news Romania

The Red Button System is a unique, innovative system of emergency tele-assistance expressly designed for elderly people in Romania living alone in their homes and who might suffer from various health problems such as anxiety, panic attack, heart and respiratory disturbances or strokes.

Switzerland supports the Municipality of Cluj-Napoca towards new steps in improving the life quality of its citizens

05.09.2017 — Local news Romania

10 electric busses produced by SOLARIS Bus & Coach S.A. will replace the old diesel buses in the city of Cluj-Napoca and thus, the comfort and health of the residents will noteworthy increase.

Integrated Export Services for Small Medium Enterprises

03.08.2017 — Local news Romania

Launching of project "Integrated export services for Small Medium Enterprises in Romania" financed by Switzerland through the Swiss Contribution, under the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Program, took place on July 18, 2017.

Sustainable Energy Management Action Fund

03.08.2017 — Local news Romania

Project "Sustainable Energy Management Action Fund" financed by Switzerland through the Swiss Contribution, under the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Program, started on July 13, 2017.

Social and medical assistance for rural Romania

18.07.2017 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

Switzerland is supporting Romania in the expansion of basic healthcare in remote regions. Support provided to the health and social care centres in the Danube Delta region is already having an impact: thanks to carers on quad bikes and boats, hundreds of people receive medical advice.

Social and medical assistance for rural Romania

18.07.2017 — Article Schweizer Beitrag

Switzerland is supporting Romania in the expansion of basic healthcare in remote regions. Support provided to the health and social care centres in the Danube Delta region is already having an impact: thanks to carers on quad bikes and boats, hundreds of people receive medical advice.

Cooperation agreements and minorities: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Romania

18.02.2025 — Press releases EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is scheduled to visit Romania from 19 to 21 February 2025. His agenda includes several bilateral meetings and the signing of cooperation agreements related to the second Swiss contribution to selected EU states. The theme of minorities will also be a common thread throughout the upcoming visit, with Mr Cassis taking part in a cultural event in Bucharest to mark the fifth edition of Romansh Language Week (Emna rumantscha) as well as in a debate in the city of Constanța on linguistic minorities.

Switzerland and Romania sign agreement on implementation of second Swiss contribution

12.12.2022 — Press releases EDA
On Monday, 12 December, President Ignazio Cassis met with President Klaus Werner Iohannis and Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă in Bucharest. President Cassis then signed an agreement on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution with Finance Minister Adrian Câciu. Under the agreement, Switzerland will provide CHF 221.5 million to finance various projects in Romania until 2029. Prior to visiting Bucharest, Mr Cassis had a working meeting with the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

Second Swiss contribution: Federal Council approves implementation agreements between Switzerland and eight EU states

31.08.2022 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council approved the bilateral implementation agreements for the Swiss contribution to cohesion in Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Malta, Romania and Poland on 31 August 2022. The agreements provide the basis for Switzerland's cooperation programmes in those areas where its support will add value. Now that the agreements have been approved, Switzerland can move into the operational stage.

No signing of Swiss–EU institutional agreement

26.05.2021 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 26 May, the Federal Council undertook an overall evaluation of the outcome of the negotiations on the institutional framework agreement (InstA). It concluded that there remain substantial differences between Switzerland and the EU on key aspects of the agreement. The conditions are thus not met for the signing of the agreement. The Federal Council today took the decision not to sign the agreement, and communicated this decision to the EU. This brings the negotiations on the draft of the InstA to a close. The Federal Council nevertheless considers it to be in the shared interest of Switzerland and the EU to safeguard their well-established cooperation and to systematically maintain the agreements already in force. It therefore wishes to launch a political dialogue with the EU on continued cooperation. Meanwhile, it has tasked the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) to consider how autonomous amendments to Swiss legislation might contribute to the stabilisation of Swiss–EU relations.

Switzerland's enlargement contribution to Bulgaria and Romania comes to a close

20.01.2020 — Press releases EDA
Over the last ten years, Switzerland has provided CHF 257 million from its enlargement contribution to support projects in Bulgaria and Romania. The two countries joined the European Union (EU) in 2007. The contribution aimed to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe and within Bulgaria and Romania. The 93 projects, which came to a close in December 2019, have achieved good results. Switzerland's support contributes to greater stability in Europe, which is also in the country's interests.

10 years of contribution to the enlarged EU: efforts pay off

19.06.2017 — Press releases Schweizer Beitrag

The 10-year implementation period for Switzerland’s enlargement contribution to the 10 central and eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004 came to an end on 14 June 2017. Under the contribution, Parliament approved a total of CHF 1 billion to implement 210 projects which have helped reduce economic and social disparities among broad sections of the population living in the EU.

End of commitment period for enlargement contribution to Bulgaria and Romania

08.12.2014 — Press releases EDA
The commitment period of the enlargement contribution for Bulgaria and Romania, which joined the EU in 2007, ended on 7 December. In all, 13 thematic funds and 28 projects totalling CHF 257 million were approved. The Swiss commitment aims to eradicate social and economic disparities in the enlarged European Union (EU).

“It’s by talking with people from the local population that you see how effective development cooperation is“

29.09.2014 — Press releases Romania

Martin Dahinden served as head of the SDC from 2008 to 2014. At the end of September 2014, he leaves Switzerland to become the country’s new ambassador in Washington. In this interview, Martin Dahinden looks back on his years with the SDC, recalls personal highlights, talks about the changes in Swiss development cooperation over the years, and names future challenges.

Switzerland’s role in negotiations for a new development agenda: building bridges, influencing outcomes, offering concrete proposals

25.09.2014 — Press releases Romania

The UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will expire in 2015. Switzerland is working with the international community towards developing new global development goals. Ambassador Michael Gerber, special representative for global sustainable development, is representing Switzerland at the international negotiations for the post-2015 development agenda. In this interview he looks back on the MDGs, highlights what is different about the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and talks about Switzerland’s position.

Swiss budget for Syrians in desperate need increased by CHF 20 million

23.09.2014 — Press releases Romania

Bern, 23.09.2014 - To improve the desperate situation of people affected by the conflict in Syria, Switzerland’s Humanitarian Aid has increased its support measures both for people in Syria and the over three million refugees in the neighbouring states. Switzerland’s budget since the start of the Syrian crisis totals CHF 105 million.

Switzerland takes further measures to fight the Ebola epidemic

23.09.2014 — Press releases Romania

Bern, 23.09.2014 - Switzerland is making an additional CHF 5 million available to support efforts to prevent the further spread of the Ebola epidemic and provide the people living in affected countries with the assistance they need. This announcement was made by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, in New York in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly. The contribution is intended to support Switzerland's multilateral partner organisations in the field of humanitarian aid in their activities in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, as well as its bilateral aid projects in Liberia.

Switzerland sends winter equipment for internally displaced persons in Northern Iraq

18.09.2014 — Press releases Romania

Bern, 18.09.2014 - Switzerland has decided to send relief aid to the greater Erbil area in Northern Iraq. The cargo consists primarily of cold weather tents intended to help people displaced by the war to survive the winter. Today, a specialist from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) is flying to Erbil to prepare for distributing the aid. More specialists from the Swiss cooperation office in Amman will join him on the ground.

Timeless Values: Swiss Watch Exhibition to mark 115 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and Switzerland

01.06.2026 — Local news Romania

To mark the 115th anniversary of Swiss-Romanian diplomatic relations, the  Embassy of Switzerland in Romania is pleased to invite you to discover the exhibition “Valori care rezistă timpului” (Timeless Values) hosted at the National Bank of Romania from June 4–6, 2026.

Launching event: European Energy Award Romania

21.05.2026 — Local news Romania
The European Energy Award (EEA) Romania has been officially launched in Bucharest. As a specific component within the "Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy" Programme, financed by the second Swiss Contribution to Romania, the European Energy Award Romania is directly coordinated by the Romanian Ministry of European Investments and Projects, together with the Association of Agencies for Regional Development (ROREG). 

Launching event: SMEs Programme in Romania

06.05.2026 — Local news Romania
The Programme "SME - ECO TECH", financed by the second Swiss Contribution to Romania, has been officially launched by the Romanian Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship & Tourism. 

Launching event of the Public Safety & Security - Internal Affairs Programme

06.05.2026 — Local news Romania
A conference marking the official launch of the Internal Affairs Programme, financed by the second Swiss Contribution to Romania, took place on 30th April in Bucharest. Hosted by the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs, it brought together representatives from Swiss and Romanian institutions involved in the Programme's implementation. 

Launch of the Alliance for Dual Education in Romania

01.05.2026 — Local news Romania
The Swiss-Romanian Chamber of Commerce hosted the official launch of the Alliance for Dual Education in Romania, at the New Europe College in Bucharest, also known as the "Swiss House", in the presence of high-level representatives of public authorities, diplomatic missions as well as private sector. This Alliance supports an education system directly linked to the needs of the real economy, by training new generations of professionals, increasing Romania’s competitiveness, and attracting foreign investments through the development of skilled human capital.

Strengthening the Swiss-Romania Partnership: SDC mission to Romania

01.04.2026 — Local news Romania
Between March 24 and 27, 2026, Ms Debora Kern - Head of the EU Member States section from the Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) and Mr. Markus Bürli - Programme Manager responsible for Romania, paid an official visit to Romania, in the framework of the second Swiss Contribution's implementation. The mission focused on assessing the progress of the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme, a partnership aimed at reducing economic and social disparities and fostering bilateral expertise. 

Launching event "Roma Voices" project

20.02.2026 — Local news Romania
The 20th February 2026 marked the 170th Anniversary of the abolition of the Roma slavery in Romanian Principalities. On this occasion, the Swiss Ambassador Massimo Baggi attended an event organised by the Roma Education Fund Romania, which has also been an opportunity to present the "Roma Voices" project, financed under the Social Inclusion Programme through the second Swiss Contribution to Romania. 

National Day of Mourning in Switzerland

09.01.2026 — Position Romania

Today, Switzerland observes a National Day of Mourning in memory of the victims of the tragic fire that occurred on 1 January in Crans-Montana.

9 January - Day of National Mourning for the victims of Crans-Montana fire

06.01.2026 — Position Romania
To commemorate the victims of the devastating fire in Crans-Montana, the Federal Council has declared Friday, 9 January 2026, a national day of mourning. An official ceremony will be held in Valais, and church bells will ring throughout Switzerland at 2 p.m. local time.

Tragic fire on New Year's Eve in Crans-Montana

02.01.2026 — Position Romania
Switzerland is deeply shaken by the tragic fire on New Year's Eve in Crans-Montana. 

Launching Conference of the Swiss-Romanian Health Programme in Bucharest

16.12.2025 — Local news Romania

On 16.12.2025, the Romanian Ministry of Health officially launched the Programme dedicated to the strengthening of prevention and access to treatment for children and adolescents suffering from addiction in Romania. This Programme is financed by the second Swiss Contribution to Romania. 

Signature of the Partnership Agreement between REGA - Romanian Ministry of Interior

05.12.2025 — Local news Romania

The Partnership Agreement has been signed at the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Bucharest between the Swiss Air Rescue Service REGA and the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs, through the Department for Emergency Situations represented by Mr. Raed Arafat. This partnership aims to implement an initiative entitled "Air Rescue and Disaster Preparedness", which is part of the wider Swiss-Romanian Public Safety and Security - Internal Affairs Programme, funded by the second Swiss Contribution to Romania.

This partnership builds upon a long-standing cooperation in the air rescue area between Switzerland and Romania.