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Focal points of Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe
To achieve sustainable results, cooperation must focus on a few selected areas. Switzerland concentrates its cooperation on those spheres which are essential to the success of reforms in post-communist countries. In dealing with the challenges of the on-going transition, Switzerland has four thematic priorities.
Security, democratisation and good governance
Switzerland promotes political stability in the region through the construction of transparent, democratic institutions. It strengthens the rule of law, contributes to the protection of human rights
and supports the effective participation of citizens in the political process.
Switzerland specifically supports:
- measures to modernise the public administration;
- the protection of minorities and disadvantaged groups;
- and the reform of the justice system and the creation of a community policing system.
Social reform and poverty
reduction
Economic transformation has resulted in plant closures and mass redundancies. The gap between rich and poor is widening. Swiss transition assistance helps to mitigate the social hardships in the wake
of system change, combat the impoverishment of large sections of the population and modernise social services.
Switzerland specifically supports:
- sweeping reforms in healthcare and social security;
- improved access to social services, particularly for disadvantaged groups, including via non-governmental institutions;
- and humanitarian aid for refugees, the internally displaced and victims of war.
Economic reforms and income generation
Economic reform is an important criterion for sustainable growth and social development in transition countries. It creates jobs, improves income and increases tax revenues. Another important
objective is the stronger regional integration of foreign trade.
Switzerland specifically supports:
- favourable framework conditions for economic development and employment;
- the creation of a competitive private economy, with the emphasis on SMEs;
- strengthening the financial sector;
- and the establishment of a modern vocational training system.
Infrastructures and natural resources
Switzerland supports the reconstruction and expansion of infrastructures, promotes the sustainable management of natural resources, and strengthens private and public institutions committed to
environmental protection and sustainable resource management. Some of the infrastructure projects are implemented by public-private partnerships.
Switzerland specifically supports:
- the reconstruction and modernisation of the basic infrastructure for water supplies and drinking water, waste disposal and energy supplies;
- technical improvements and local institutions so as to ensure efficient, environmentally compatible supplies of drinking water and energy;
- and sustainable water management in urban settlements and in agriculture.
Culture and research
The transition from communism to a free-market democracy engendered a new cultural self-understanding. However, it also gave rise to often underestimated challenges for creative artists, cultural
institutions, researchers and research institutions. While the situation for culture and research has undoubtedly improved, it nevertheless remains precarious.
Switzerland specifically supports:
- cross-border and regional cooperation as regards innovative cultural production and quality scientific research;
- the protection of cultural minorities and gender equality;
- the promotion of diversity and freedom of local forms of cultural expression;
- and the strengthening of cultural and research institutions, and the fostering of greater dialogue between these communities and the national and local authorities.
Detailed information on the priorities and focal points of Switzerland’s transition assistance are set out in the Federal Message on Continued Cooperation with the Countries of Eastern Europe and the CIS of 15 December 2006.
Through its enlargement contribution Switzerland supports projects that address the following issues: security, stability and support of reforms, environment and infrastructure, promotion of the private economy, as well as human and social development.
Additional Information and Documents
- Facilitating landownerhip claims - an SDC project strengthens the rule of law
Central Asia Project Briefing
Download (PDF, 865 KB) : [de] [en] [fr] - Civil society as a key partner - an SDC project does the groundwork
Central Asia Project Briefing
Download (PDF, 841 KB) : [de] [en] [fr] - Clean water in central asia - an SDC project manager talks about the importance of self-help
Central Asia Project Briefing
Download (PDF, 900 KB) : [de] [en] [fr] -
Special Instruments: Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) Block Grant
http://www.erweiterungsbeitrag.admin.ch/en/Home/Themes/NGO_Block_Grant -
SDC projects for security, stability, and support for reformsin the new EU States
http://www.erweiterungsbeitrag.admin.ch/en/Home/Themes -
SECO projects for promotion of the private economy in the new EU States
http://www.erweiterungsbeitrag.admin.ch/en/Home/Themes/Promotion_of_the_private_sector -
SDC health-care projects within the scope of social development in the new EU-Member States
http://www.erweiterungsbeitrag.admin.ch/en/Home/Themes -
Pro Helvetia - Arts council of Switzerland
http://www.pro-helvetia.ch