The launch event concludes an intensive 18 months period of preparing the foundation of the new Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme.  Until 2029, Switzerland is providing over CHF 320 million to Poland for reducing social and economic disparities, promoting bilateral cooperation and strengthening knowledge exchange.

“The Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme has been jointly designed to create a positive long-term impact for Polish citizens and at the same time strengthen the ties between our two countries, enable lasting partnerships and promote the development of innovative solutions for a better world together”, said Ambassador Fabrice Filliez in his opening address.

Participants were presented with the funding opportunities in Poland in the coming years and had the chance to network and exchange ideas in view of the forthcoming calls for proposals. The Swiss Contribution in Poland is channelled through two programmes:

Development of Towns

CHF 278.7 million are dedicated to address the strategic needs of marginalized medium-sized Polish cities that are facing negative trends and challenges of different nature. Local authorities of selected cities will be assisted in developing and implementing long-term urban development strategies in close collaboration with citizens, civil society and the private sector for making these cities an inclusive and attractive place to live and work. The Programme furthermore aims to foster exchanges and partnerships with Swiss cities.

Research and Innovation

CHF 35 million are allocated for boosting research excellence as well as innovation capacities of Polish research institutions and the private sector in cooperation with Swiss and other international partners. The Programme offers funding opportunities for both basic and applied research projects.  

The calls for applications in the Development of Towns Programme and Basic Research Programme are planned to be announced in January 2024. The first call for applications of the Applied Research Programme is scheduled for spring 2024.

For further information and updates on announcements of the calls for applications visit the official Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme website.

With approximately 20 nature parks, Switzerland has extensive experience and expertise to share regarding sustainable tourism in and around national parks and protected areas. This knowledge has been attracting interest in central and eastern Europe: Bulgaria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Estonia aim to promote sustainable tourism, better manage their national and regional parks and protect biodiversity with support from the second Swiss contribution towards European cohesion.

SECO and the Swiss National Park organised a study trip to Zernez, Bern and Birmensdorf, where leading representatives from administration, science, environmental protection and business presented the latest Swiss findings and research results. They used practical examples to illustrate Swiss parks' activities and management practices, and showed ways to strike a balance between tourism and nature conservation – and where these strategies reach their limits.

Laying the foundations for Swiss partnerships

As part of Switzerland's contribution, the country is making its expertise available to support partner states in conceptualising and implementing their own programmes. While on the study trip to Switzerland, the visiting delegations were able to network with Swiss experts and lay the foundations for further discussions and longer-term partnerships. Learning from colleagues was an important pillar of the study week, as was direct exchange between the delegations. These included officials from environmental ministries, heads of national parks and other specialists.