As part of the visit of the Swiss delegation to the Republic of Croatia, Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds Nataša Mikuš Žigman met with Stefan Engler, President of the Council of States of the Swiss Confederation. The discussions focused on the achievements to date and the continued implementation of the Swiss-Croatian Cooperation Programme, with particular emphasis on investments under the Second Swiss Contribution.
Under the Second Swiss Contribution, Croatia has been allocated CHF 45.7 million to support investments in research programmes, water supply and wastewater management, the development of palliative care, and the strengthening of civil society.
During the meeting, the importance of the Swiss-Croatian Cooperation Programme was highlighted as an instrument that complements EU funding and contributes to reducing economic and social disparities. The Programme supports targeted development investments tailored to the specific needs of Croatian regions.
The results achieved so far demonstrate the success of cooperation between the two countries. Under the First Swiss Contribution, 11 projects worth more than CHF 42 million were implemented, including investments in water supply and wastewater infrastructure in Gorski Kotar, the promotion of excellence in education, mine clearance in Sisak-Moslavina County, and support for the participation of Croatian small and medium-sized enterprises in international research and development projects.
Following the meeting, the Swiss delegation, led by President of the Council of States Stefan Engler and accompanied by State Secretary Kristina Bilić and Iva Novak, Director of the Directorate for Strategic Planning and Coordination of EU Funds, visited two water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects in Gorski Kotar, implemented under the First Swiss Contribution.
A total of more than CHF 48 million has been allocated to water supply and wastewater infrastructure investments in Gorski Kotar under the First and Second Swiss Contributions, further demonstrating the Programme’s long-term commitment to sustainable regional development and improving citizens’ quality of life.
The visit of the Swiss delegation further reaffirmed the strong partnership between Croatia and Switzerland and their shared commitment to continued cooperation through projects that deliver tangible development benefits.