About the second Swiss contribution

The second Swiss contribution to the selected Member States of the European Union represents an investment in security, stability and prosperity in Europe. With this contribution, Switzerland is strengthening bilateral relations with EU partner countries and the EU as a whole.

The basis for the second Swiss contribution is the Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and the European Union dated June 30,2022. This memorandum contains specific starting parameters such as the amount of the contribution, the distribution key, the thematic priorities and the principles of cooperation and implementation. The amount allocated to the Cohesion Framework for the second Swiss contribution is 1.102 billion Swiss francs, designated for the 13 EU Member States that have joined the EU since 2004. For Slovakia, 44.2 million Swiss francs are earmarked until 2029

Additionally, Switzerland is providing 200 million Swiss francs for migration-related measures to the countries most affected by migration flows.

Switzerland provides contributions to Partner States on bilateral Framework Agreements on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution. These agreements define the focus of the bilateral cooperation programme, its objectives, and the thematic areas on which the support measures will be targeted.

The cooperation programmes shall focus on one or more of the objectives defined in the Regulation on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution. Specific thematic areas are also defined for each of these objectives:

1. Promotion of economic growth and social dialogue, reduction of (youth) unemployment;
   • Vocational and professional education and training
   • Research and innovation
   • Financing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises
2. Management of migration and promotion of integration. Enhancing public safety and security;
   • Provision of support for migration management and promotion of integration measures
   • Improving public safety and security
3. Environmental and climate protection;
   • Energy efficiency and renewable energy
   • Public transport
   • Water and wastewater management
   • Waste management
   • Nature conservation and biodiversity
4. Strengthening social systems;
   • Health care and social protection
   • Minorities and socially disadvantaged groups
5. Civic engagement and transparency.

The Swiss-Slovak Cooperation Programme focuses on the following thematic areas through 3 support measures:

– Vocational and professional education and training,
– Nature conservation and biodiversity,
– Health care and social protection.