The Swiss-Slovak Cooperation Program aims to reduce economic and social disparities in Slovakia and helps to further strengthen bilateral relations. The program is being implemented as part of Switzerland's second contribution to selected EU member states. It is being implemented by the Slovak authorities in close cooperation with the Swiss Contribution Office, which is part of the Swiss Embassy in Bratislava. The second Swiss contribution, launched in Slovakia in 2022, builds on the success of the first contribution, which was implemented between 2007 and 2017.

Cooperation in four thematic areas

The second Swiss contribution to Slovakia amounts to CHF 44.2 million and will end in 2029. The contribution focuses on three thematic areas in which Slovakia has identified needs and in which Switzerland can add value with its expertise and experience: vocational education and training; biodiversity and sustainable tourism; and health promotion.

The role of the Swiss Contribution Office

The Swiss Contribution Office accompanies and supports the development and implementation of the programs in cooperation with the National Coordination Unit (NCU) of the Ministry of Investment, Regional Development, and Informatization. The programs have been approved by the Swiss authorities, namely the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) in the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research.