On the occasion of the Swiss National Day, we thank Switzerland for a partnership that is helping to shape a better future for Slovakia

On 1 August, the Swiss Confederation celebrates its National Day. On this occasion, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Switzerland for its partnership, which, through the Second Swiss-Slovak Cooperation Programme, is helping bring new knowledge and innovative solutions to Slovakia in areas that are essential for the country’s future.

The Second Swiss-Slovak Cooperation Programme, financed by a Swiss contribution of CHF 44.2 million, builds on the successful cooperation of previous years. Its objective is not only to help reduce regional disparities, but also to connect Slovak and Swiss experts who work together to develop solutions for improving vocational education and training, protecting nature, and promoting healthier lives for the people of Slovakia.

In less than three years since the signing of the Framework Agreement, several important milestones have been achieved. All three support measures have been approved, implementation agreements have been signed, and project implementation has been fully launched in the three priority areas – vocational education and training, biodiversity conservation, and health promotion.

The tangible results of this cooperation are already visible across Slovakia’s regions:

Vocational Education and Training – The State Institute of Vocational Education is working together with the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET) and ETH Zurich to modernise vocational education and training in Slovakia. Slovak experts are taking part in study visits to Switzerland, new methodologies are being developed, and proposals to introduce master craft examinations based on the Swiss model are being prepared.

Nature Conservation and Sustainable Tourism – The project Tourists and Nature Together supports Slovak national parks in managing visitor flows by directing tourism towards less frequented areas through sustainable tourism and environmental education. To achieve these objectives, park facilities are being renovated, sustainable tourism development strategies and other key management documents are being prepared or updated, and numerous smaller initiatives are being supported to protect valuable habitats, engage local communities, and strengthen environmental awareness.

Health Promotion – Since 2025, the Swiss-Slovak Health Programme has been implementing activities aimed at preventing non-communicable diseases. Regional initiatives, such as the Health and Sports Campus in the Bratislava Self-Governing Region and prevention programmes in the Prešov and Žilina Regions, are promoting healthier lifestyles and early disease detection. Slovak experts are also working closely with the RADIX Swiss Health Foundation to transfer Swiss best practices into everyday practice in Slovakia.

All these achievements demonstrate that Swiss-Slovak cooperation is about far more than financial support. It is about building lasting partnerships, exchanging expertise, and developing solutions that will deliver long-term benefits for Slovakia and its people.

On the occasion of the Swiss National Day, we would like to thank all our Swiss partners for their trust, professionalism, and willingness to share their knowledge and experience. We are confident that our joint projects will continue to deliver tangible benefits for people, regions, and future generations.

We wish the Swiss Confederation good health, prosperity, and continued success on its National Day. Thank you for being our trusted partner.

Schöne Schweizer Bundesfeier! Bonne fête nationale suisse! Buona festa nazionale svizzera! Bella festa naziunala svizra!