Switzerland's strong commitment to Poland through a range of projects
Article,
28.01.2014
During his official visit to Poland on 27 and 28 January 2014, President Didier Burkhalter visited one of the projects benefitting from Switzerland's support as part of its EU enlargement contribution.
Switzerland is supporting Poland by way of 58 projects intended to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe. The projects will be completed by 2017. Around 40 per cent of the CHF 464.6 million are being channelled to the structurally weak regions of Lubelskie, Malapolskie, Podkarpackie and Swietokrzyskie in the south-east of the country.
The main aims of the projects are:
to promote economic growth and improve working conditions
Example of project in Krakow: reducing air pollution and promoting renewable energies
On 28 January 2014 President Didier Burkhalter visited the Rydygier hospital in Krakow. With Swiss support the heating, cooling and ventilation systems are being modernised. The upgrading and modernisation of basic infrastructure in various hospitals in the Malopolskie region contributes to reducing emissions and air pollution.
Around 90 per cent of the country's energy needs are covered by coal, which pollutes the environment. Under the framework of the EU Directive on renewable energies the country has undertaken to increase the share of renewable energies as a proportion of overall energy consumption to 15 per cent by 2020. Switzerland is supporting Poland in this effort and is allocating grants from its EU enlargement contribution.
Further examples of projects supported by Switzerland's EU enlargement contribution:
Improving road safety with Swiss know-how The project involves exchanges between Swiss road safety experts and their Polish partners. Road safety in Poland, which is currently below the European standard, is to be improved through training courses, investment in road safety and national prevention campaigns.
More modern border crossings The border crossings at Siemianówka and Połowce on the frontier between Poland and Belarus are being upgraded and brought in line with Schengen standards with Swiss support. Modern facilities and equipment are largely lacking, meaning that staff are unable to carry out their duties effectively, especially given the growing volume of cross-border traffic. Another aspect of the project involves exchanges of know-how and experiences between Swiss and Polish customs authorities.
Strengthening the economy in the foothills of the Carpathian mountains In the foothills of the Carpathian mountains (Podkarpackie) in south-eastern Poland Switzerland is supporting the regional economy, particularly tourism and local production.
Disposal of asbestos Switzerland is supporting the administrative district of Lublin with a grant of CHF 13.2 million to dispose of asbestos. The project involves introducing a system to monitor and dispose of asbestos, removing waste containing asbestos from illegal dump sites and refurbishing the roofs of 6600 homes. Asbestos was often used in the past in Poland, particularly in the construction industry.
The South Korean president, Park Geun-Hye, was received by the entire Federal Council on the Bundesplatz with military honours. This is the first state visit to Switzerland by a Korean head of state since Switzerland and the Republic of Korea established diplomatic relations in 1963. Switzerland and the Republic of Korea signed several documents.
The South Korean president, Park Geun-Hye, was received with military honours on the Bundesplatz. The president of the Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, then gave a speech in the Wandelhalle of the House of Parliament. He spoke about the high value Switzerland places on the exchanges between the two countries in particular in the fields of innovation and education: “Innovation is the motor of our two economies and is based on ground-breaking policies in key areas, especially education. Switzerland and South Korea top the list of international leaders in global competitiveness, innovation and quality of life.“
In her speech, the president of the Republic of Korea highlighted the special way in which relations between the two countries began. In 1953, some 100 members of the Swiss Armed Forces arrived in war-torn Korea as part of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission on the inner-Korean border. Switzerland and the Republic of Korea established diplomatic relations ten years later. In 2013, the two countries celebrated 50 years of official bilateral relations.
During the visit, Switzerland and the Republic of Korea signed several documents with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of social insurance, the economy, health care and research.
The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on institutionalising their political dialogue.
This is the first state visit to Switzerland by a Korean head of state since Switzerland and the Republic of Korea established diplomatic relations.
Swiss policy on Asia
Strengthening contacts with the Republic of Korea – a leading Asian country – is part of Switzerland’s policy on Asia, which has the following priorities:
further develop Switzerland’s bilateral relations with the states of the region
enhance Swiss presence in regional forums, and pursue a policy of solidarity with Asian countries
