“Partnership that lasts – support at the right time” is the message that marked yesterday’s event regarding the presentation of the Swiss Cooperation Programme for Serbia 2022-2025.
At the official ceremony that also celebrated three decades of partnership between the two countries, H. E. Ambassador of Switzerland to the Republic of Serbia, Mr Urs Schmid addressed the audience on behalf of the Swiss Confederation. “This event marks the start of a new development aid package with a total value of over 90 million euros. This will allow us to continue our support to reforms of the Serbian Government and the Serbian society over the next four years – from 2022 to 2025,” stated H. E. Ambassador of Switzerland to the Republic of Serbia Mr Urs Schmid and added: “Our cooperation programme is undoubtedly the most important basis for our bilateral relations, but it is not the only one. With the total amount of 1.7 billion euro in the period between 2010 and 2021, Switzerland ranks among the most important foreign investors in Serbia, taking second place last year, after the Netherlands and ahead of China.”
The Swiss Cooperation Programme for Serbia 2022-2025 is a continuation of long-term support to reforms in the Republic of Serbia. Switzerland has been present in Serbia since 1991, which proves its commitment to this bilateral partnership. Until now, Switzerland’s financial support amounted to 400 million euro, with additional 95 million euro allocated for the period 2022-2025.
Within the scope of the new Cooperation Programme, Swiss cooperation with Serbia will focus on economic development and employment, democratic governance and civil society, as well as climate change and sustainable urban development. The overall goal of the Program is the Swiss contribution to sustainable development and inclusive growth, while encouraging democratic processes, in support of Serbia’s progress towards European standards and values.
The Swiss Cooperation Programme for Serbia 2022-2025 is a continuation of long-term support to reforms in the Republic of Serbia.
The defined goals in the areas of cooperation within the new Programme are “Democratic Governance and Civil Society”, “Economic Development and Employment”, “Climate Change and Sustainable Urban Development”, while migration remains an important topic of Swiss-Serbian cooperation.
Within the Programme, at least 1% of the total budget will be allocated as support for culture and arts, with a focus on local cultural initiatives.
