Promotion of community service work as an alternative to imprisonment in Romania

13.09.2012 — Article EB

As part of its enlargement contribution to Romania, Switzerland supports Community Service Workshops as an alternative to imprisonment. This integrative and low-cost form of punishment is provided in four workshops. It provides Romanian judges with an alternative to short prison terms. The system is based on a model from Zürich that has been running successfully in Switzerland since 1998. Persons sentenced to short prison terms can keep their job and remain in their familiar environment. They do not need to be reintegrated into society because they do not go to prison at all. It also seems that the rate of recidivism is lower.

Enlargement contribution: Bilateral framework agreements with Bulgaria and Romania signed

07.09.2010 — Local news EB

Bern, 07.09.2010 - The president of the Swiss Confederation, Doris Leuthard, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, the Bulgarian Minister for EU Funds Management Tomislav Donchev, and the Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi, signed the bilateral framework agreements with Bulgaria and Romania on September 7, 2010. The agreements stipulate the content and implementation of the Swiss enlargement contribution to those countries. First projects will presumably be selected and implemented towards the end of 2010.

Contribution à l’élargissement: le Conseil fédéral a approuvé les accords-cadres bilatéraux avec la Bulgarie et la Roumanie

23.06.2010 — Article EB

Lors de sa séance du 23 juin 2010, le Conseil fédéral a approuvé les accords-cadres bilatéraux avec la Bulgarie et la Roumanie et décidé de procéder à leur signature. Ces accords régissent le contenu et la mise en œuvre de la contribution suisse à l’élargissement en faveur de ces deux pays. Les premiers projets pourront sans doute être sélectionnés et réalisés dès fin 2010.

Enlargement Contribution for Bulgaria and Romania accepted by Parliament

07.12.2009 — Article EB

As the second Chamber of the Swiss Parliament to do so, the Council of States followed the National Council on 7 December 2009 in approving the Federal Decree on the enlargement contribution for Bulgaria and Romania This parliamentary decision enables Switzerland to finance projects and programmes designed to reduce the economic and social disparities in Bulgaria and Romania.

Enlargement contribution to Bulgaria and Romania: Federal Council sends dispatch to parliament

05.06.2009 — Local news EB

On 5 June 2009 the Federal Council sent the Dispatch on the Credit Facility for the Enlargement Contribution in favour of Bulgaria and Romania to parliament. Switzerland’s contribution to reducing economic and social disparities totals CHF 257m over a five-year period.

Enlargement contributions for Bulgaria and Romania - Political declaration of intent signed

25.06.2008 — Article EB

Switzerland, along with the EU, signed the political declaration of intent in Brussels on Wednesday to support the two newest EU member states, Bulgaria and Romania. In it Switzerland set its enlargement contribution for the two states at CHF 257 million. This declaration in the form of an addendum to the existing memorandum of understanding has been made with a reservation pending approval of the contribution by the Swiss Parliament.

Contribution à l'élargissement en faveur de la Bulgarie et de la Roumanie: Entente avec l'UE sur les modalités

02.04.2008 — Article EB

Le Conseil fédéral prévoit d'apporter son soutien à la Roumanie et à la Bulgarie par une contribution à l'élargissement d'un montant de 257 millions de francs. Les négociateurs de la Suisse et de l'UE se sont entendus, ce mercredi, sur les modalités générales de cette contribution. Le texte convenu entre les deux parties détermine la clé de répartition ainsi que les domaines couverts par les programmes et les projets. Cet arrangement doit encore être approuvé par le Conseil fédéral. Il constitue une déclaration d'intention et n'est, juridiquement parlant, pas contraignant.

Contribution à l'élargissement en faveur de la Bulgarie et de la Roumanie

05.03.2008 — Article EB

Le Conseil fédéral entend soutenir les deux derniers Etats à avoir adhéré à l'UE, la Roumanie et la Bulgarie. La Suisse doit poursuivre son engagement à réduire les disparités économiques et sociales en Europe grâce à une nouvelle contribution à l'élargissement en faveur de ces deux pays. Celle-ci équivaudra, grosso modo, à l'aide qu'elle octroyait auparavant aux deux Etats. La Suisse va s'engager sur cinq ans à hauteur de 257 millions de francs pour des projets qu'elle avalisera elle-même. Les déboursements effectifs devraient s'échelonner sur une dizaine d'années. Cette contribution doit être approuvée par le Parlement sous forme de crédit-cadre et elle sera intégralement compensée sur le budget fédéral général.

No signing of Swiss–EU institutional agreement

26.05.2021 — Press release 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 release 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 release EB

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 release 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 release 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 release 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 release 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 release 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 release 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.

Thematic Fund Research, Mid-term event

08.06.2014 — Press release Romania

26 Research projects presented their achievements on the occasion of the event organized by the Ministry of National Education and the Swiss Contribution Office within the Embassy of Switzerland in Romania.

Federal Council submits to Parliament dispatch on enlargement contribution to Croatia

28.05.2014 — Press release Romania

Bern, 28.05.2014 - The Federal Council has submitted to Parliament its dispatch on the approval of a framework credit for an enlargement contribution of CHF 45 million to Croatia. Switzerland's commitment in Croatia is in keeping with the policy it has pursued in recent years with regard to the countries of Eastern Europe to support them in their modernisation efforts. This policy is in Switzerland's economic interests, and not only strengthens relations with these countries, but also helps to create jobs. The Federal Council had announced the framework credit on 30 April 2014, when a corresponding addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the EU was adopted. Parliament has yet to approve the contribution. The money should then be committed to specific projects in Croatia by the end of May 2017.

Project Agreement Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism Signature

22.04.2014 — Press release Romania

Switzerland provides CHF 2’150’500 to improve the financial intelligence analysis capacity of the National Office for Prevention and Control of Money Laundering (NOPCML) – the Romanian Financial Intelligent Unit (FIU).

Contribution to the enlarged EU: programmes in Bulgaria and Romania come to a close

20.01.2020 — EB
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.

Green investments in Romania

16.08.2019 — Article EB
The Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca has launched a programme to improve its energy efficiency. In support of the programme, Switzerland has funded the energy-efficient renovation of school buildings, the installation of several thousand LED lights on the city's streets and the purchase of electric buses – making a significant contribution to climate change mitigation and improving the quality of life of the city's population.

25 years of invaluable support for the Romanian emergency services

18.07.2019 — Article EB
More than 25 years have passed since Switzerland started to support Romania in developing its emergency services. Much has been achieved thanks to Switzerland's systematic funding, creativity and innovative strength.

2018 annual report on Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU

08.05.2019 — Article EB
The 2018 annual report on Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU presents the results achieved in the last three remaining country programmes that are still under way: mine clearance in Croatia, the promotion of SMEs in Romania and the delivery of decommissioned trams from Basel to Bulgaria. Parliament is currently deciding on the future of the enlargement contribution. In principle, it has approved a second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states.

Strengthening the competitiveness of Romanian SMEs

05.10.2018 — Article EB
Switzerland supports around 80 Romanian organic farms and wood furniture producers in marketing their products internationally. State Secretary Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch visited an agricultural enterprise that has benefited from Swiss training and advice to improve the marketing of its organic sea buckthorn products.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Romania and Bulgaria

11.09.2018 — Article EB
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis' trip focused on talks with high-ranking government representatives on bilateral issues, European policy and cooperation to date within the framework of Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU. In order to obtain an overview of work on the ground he also visited two projects partly funded by Switzerland's enlargement contribution.

One billion well invested

05.06.2018 — Article EB
The ten countries that joined the EU in 2004 have completed their projects under the enlargement contribution. SECO and the SDC have taken stock of the last decade and published the results in their 2017 annual report. The projects have made a significant contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in Europe. Switzerland was also able to use its expertise to make a meaningful contribution to a number of projects.

Switzerland supports Cluj-Napoca to turning into reality the smart city concept

31.05.2018 — Local news Romania
By the support of Switzerland the smart city concept developed by Cluj-Napoca turns into reality. Starting of today Cluj municipality rides electric buses on its streets, turning into the first city of Romania using such vehicles for public transportation and ranking Cluj-Napoca among the European cities focusing on sustainable transportation.

Consultation on a second Swiss contribution

28.03.2018 — EB
At its meeting on 28 March 2018, the Federal Council decided to initiate the consultation procedure on a second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. With this contribution, Switzerland aims to continue to contribute to the reduction of economic and social disparities in the EU member states. Last year, the Federal Council set two priorities for this contribution: vocational education and training and migration.

A chance for innovative thinkers in Romania

22.03.2018 — Article EB
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.