The last official meeting between the presidents of the Swiss and Bulgarian parliaments took place in 2016 to mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, when then National Council president Christa Markwalder (FDP, BE) received the president of the Bulgarian National Assembly in Bern and in the same year paid an official visit to Sofia.
In addition to an exchange of views on the current international situation, the two presidents discussed relations with the European Union and the further strengthening of relations between Switzerland and Bulgaria, particularly at the parliamentary and economic level. With regard to bilateral relations, the discussion focused in particular on cooperation in the context of the Swiss contribution to enlargement. In addition to highlighting the potential of bilateral cooperation in areas such as research and innovation, Eric Nussbaumer praised the efforts of all those involved in Switzerland and Bulgaria in implementing the cooperation programme.
With total Swiss support of CHF 92.5 million until 2029, the programme complements Bulgaria's efforts in managing migration and improving public safety, climate protection, strengthening social systems and involving civil society. Its implementation is laid down in a bilateral agreement that came into force on 29 December 2022. Particular emphasis is placed on reducing (youth) unemployment and promoting economic growth through education and dual-track vocational education and training.
Switzerland and Bulgaria enjoy friendly relations and the implementation of the cooperation programme within the scope of Switzerland's enlargement contribution is an important topic of bilateral relations. Approved by Parliament on 3 December 2019, the second Swiss contribution, which aims to strengthen cohesion in Europe, amounts to CHF 1.302 billion and will be granted until the end of 2029. Switzerland has allocated CHF 1.102 billion to member states that joined the EU since 2004, namely Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Photos of the official working visit