Swiss contribution to selected EU states
Background
In 2004 the European Union embarked on the biggest expansion in its history, the so-called Eastern enlargement. Eight countries in central and eastern Europe as well as Cyprus and Malta joined the EU. Three additional countries – Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia – followed in 2007 and 2013.
Background
This enlargement created the world's largest economic area. The number of EU members rose from 15 to 27 countries and the population from around 400 million to over 500 million.
Today, economic, social and regional cohesion in Europe continues to face major and, in some cases, new challenges. These challenges are particularly evident in the areas of migration and integration, as well as in the high level of youth unemployment.
Today, economic, social and regional cohesion in Europe continues to face major and, in some cases, new challenges. These challenges are particularly evident in the areas of migration and integration, as well as in the high level of youth unemployment.
Background
The EU is therefore making great efforts to strengthen cohesion within Europe and has earmarked almost a third of its total budget for this purpose. Switzerland has also made financial contributions since 2007, although these account for less than 1% of the EU's funding. Switzerland's commitment is not part of the EU's cohesion policy, but is based on bilateral agreements. Switzerland agrees on projects and programmes with each individual partner country and makes financing decisions autonomously.
Swiss interests
The Swiss contribution is a solidary contribution and an investment in Europe's security, stability and prosperity. Switzerland is also focusing on partnerships with the private sector and research in order to bring innovation and ‘Swissness’ to its partner countries. This strengthens Switzerland as a business hub and its bilateral relations with EU Member States and the EU as a whole.
The second Swiss contribution amounts to CHF 1,302 million and will be implemented in 2019–29.
The second Swiss contribution amounts to CHF 1,302 million and will be implemented in 2019–29.
The second Swiss contribution has five objectives:
Objective 1
Promote economic growth and social partnership and reduce unemployment
Objective 2
Manage migration with greater integration and increase public security
Objective 3
Protect the environment and climate
Objective 4
Strengthen social and health systems
Objective 5
Promote civic engagement and transparency
Promote economic growth and social partnership and reduce unemployment
Objective 2
Manage migration with greater integration and increase public security
Objective 3
Protect the environment and climate
Objective 4
Strengthen social and health systems
Objective 5
Promote civic engagement and transparency
Swiss contribution for cohesion in 2019–29
CHF 1,102 million has been earmarked for the reduction of economic and social disparities in the countries that joined the EU since 2004.
50% of this will go towards structurally weak regions in the larger partner countries.
50% of this will go towards structurally weak regions in the larger partner countries.
Swiss contribution for migration in 2019–29
CHF 200 million has been earmarked for the area of migration. These funds will be used to address challenges in the EU member states particularly affected by migration.
The second Swiss contribution
The second Swiss contribution follows on from what was known as the enlargement contribution, under which Switzerland supported some 300 projects in the new EU member states from 2007. In an independent evaluation, this first Swiss contribution scored well for relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability. The second Swiss contribution supports projects in partner countries, which co-finance these projects with 15% of their own budget.
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Swiss contribution to selected EU states
Background
Background
Background
Swiss interests
The second Swiss contribution has five objectives:
Swiss contribution for cohesion in 2019–29
Swiss contribution for migration in 2019–29
The second Swiss contribution