Switzerland to give a lot of money to Hungary
Change language:
The framework agreement for the second phase of the Swiss-Hungarian cooperation programme on close to 40 billion forints (EUR 100.0m) of support was signed in Budapest on Tuesday.
The deal will allow for the implementation of developments over the next ten years that will contribute to Hungary’s economic growth, the development of disadvantaged regions, job creation, the improvement of environmental protection and health care and the promotion of research, development and innovation. Tibor Navracsics, the regional development minister, said before the signing of the agreement that the Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation programme had already brought “tangible benefits” to Hungary, adding that hopefully the second phase would be “similarly productive and fruitful”.
He praised ties Hungary has built with Switzerland in connection with the programme. The minister said the signing of the new agreement was symbolic and could further deepen bilateral relations and add value to European cooperation. Jean-Francois Paroz, Switzerland’s ambassador to Hungary, said the signing of the agreement opened a new chapter in bilateral ties, intensifying cooperation between Switzerland and Hungary in several areas.
This is actually a project in the broader scheme of Switzerland and the EU, aiming to contribute to the reduction of economic and social disparities within Hungary and between Hungary and the more advanced member states of the EU.
This Swiss angle (they appear to be quite pro-EU!):
https://www.dfae.admin.ch/countries/hungary/en/home/news/news.html/content/countries/hungary/en/meta/news/2022/august/announcement-of-the-second-swiss—hungarian-cooperation-program
No surprise (Swissness) – there are extensive Rules and Procedures for the Program – with transparency, efficacy / efficiency criteria, controls. Hope this money ends up where it is supposed to – and where it makes the greatest difference!
Upon reading the headline (and no more), the first question that popped into my mind was, ‘…and just how much of that money will go directly where the Swiss would like it to go?’.