Knowledge Transfer and Collaboration: Croatian Water Experts Visit Switzerland

Article, 31.10.2024

At the end of October 2024, SECO organized a study visit for Croatian water experts to explore Swiss approaches to drinking water and wastewater management. Visits to the wastewater treatment plants in Schwyz and Gossau-Grüningen, as well as the drinking water supplier tb Glarus, provided an impressive showcase of energy-efficient water management practices. 

The Croatian delegation together with representatives of SECO
The Croatian delegation together with representatives of SECO during the study week on water in Zurich. © SECO

Special emphasis was placed on the innovative use of turbines in drinking and wastewater systems, which could serve as a model for sustainable water solutions in Croatia. Swiss technical expertise is playing an important role in the modernization of water infrastructure in Gorski Kotar, a mountainous region in Croatia, which is being co-funded by Switzerland as part of its second contribution to selected EU member states.

Another key focus of the study visit was education and training. With the support of the two Water Associations VSA (Swiss Association of Professionals in Wastewater and Water Protection) and SVGW (Swiss Gas, Water and Heat Association), the Croatian delegation gained valuable insights into the training and curriculum of Swiss water professionals. These learnings are essential for developing a Croatian curriculum, which is another part of Switzerland's second contribution to selected EU member states.

The study visit highlights the successful partnership between Switzerland and Croatia under the second Swiss contribution. SECO is fostering knowledge transfer and strengthening exchanges between experts from both countries to jointly advance sustainable solutions.

Learn more about the significance of these partnerships and their tangible outcomes in the information film below. Watch it and be inspired!