TIRANA, Jan 31 /ATA/ Switzerland’s cooperation program with Albania will maintain its focus on economic development, infrastructure services, and climate change, while gradually scaling back activities in other sectors.
The Swiss Embassy in Tirana stated in a press release that “this comes after the budgetary decisions made by the Swiss Parliament in December 2024, and discussions in Switzerland about bilateral and multilateral cooperation for 2025-2028.”
The Swiss Parliament has decided to reduce the budget for international cooperation for the 2025-2028 period. These decisions, officially ratified by the Swiss Federal Council on January 29, 2025, will necessitate adjustments to Switzerland’s engagement in various countries, including Albania. Consequently, certain areas of cooperation will be gradually reduced by 2028. This budget cut applies solely to funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and does not impact the support Albania receives through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
According to the official announcement, Switzerland remains committed to supporting Albania on its development path both during and beyond 2028, particularly through development cooperation instruments funded by SECO. This includes promoting environmentally and climate-friendly economic growth as well as social development. SECO’s support covers areas such as strengthening financial institutions, macroeconomic stability, boosting the private sector, creating a favorable business environment, and supporting the green transition.
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