In 1992, Switzerland was among the first countries to recognise Croatia as an independent state. Next year, the two countries will celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations. Approximately 100,000 people of Croatian origin in Switzerland serve as an important bridge between the two countries. In Zagreb, the delegation was received by Gordan Jandroković, Speaker of the Croatian Parliament (Sabor). The talks focused on the countries’ excellent bilateral relations, current developments in Europe, and issues relating to security and stability on the European continent. The delegation also met with members of various parliamentary committees, as well as the head of the Interparliamentary Friendship Group Croatia–Switzerland. In discussions with representatives of civil society, the delegation also learned about current developments in Southeast Europe and the treatment of national minorities.
Mr Engler was also received by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. Discussions focused on bilateral relations, cooperation with the European Union and its enlargement policy, as well as current challenges in the areas of the economy, security and energy supply. Croatia is an important partner for Switzerland, in part due to its experience with developments in Southeast Europe.
Through its contribution to selected EU Member States, Switzerland has been helping to reduce economic and social disparities within the EU since 2007. Another key focus of the visit was Switzerland’s second contribution, under which Croatia receives CHF 45.7 million. Switzerland is using these funds to support projects in Croatia in the areas of water and wastewater management, research and innovation, civil society and palliative care. In a meeting with Nataša Mikuš Žigman, Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds, the delegation discussed the concrete impact of this cooperation. In the Gorski Kotar region, they visited the Donja Dobra sewage treatment plant – supported by the first Swiss contribution – as well as the Iševnica pumping station.
The delegation then travelled to Sarajevo. For three decades, Switzerland has been supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in its reform efforts. The visit took place immediately after the general elections held on 4 October in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The delegation discussed the promotion of vocational training with Naida Hota-Muminović, the Minister for Education of Sarajevo Canton. During a visit to a vocational college and the transport company Centrotrans, the delegation gained insight into projects through which Switzerland is strengthening the link between education and workplace practice. The goal is to make it easier for young people to enter the labour market and to train professionals in the skills required by the economy. This involves working with local partners to develop suitable solutions and incorporating the experience of Switzerland and its cantons.
In addition, the delegation met with business representatives who maintain ties with Switzerland. In discussions with mayors in Sarajevo, Konjic and Mostar, the delegation addressed the opportunities and challenges of local and regional development.
The delegation concluded its trip with a visit to Mostar. There they learned about community life in the region as well as the work of the Swiss Liaison and Observation Team (SWISS LOT). As part of the EUFOR ALTHEA military mission, Switzerland has been contributing to stability and confidence-building in Bosnia and Herzegovina for many years.
The trip provided an opportunity to deepen political dialogue with both countries and to exchange views on European integration, security issues, economic cooperation and the management of social diversity. The project visits also allowed the delegation to gain first-hand insight into the results of Swiss cooperation and the needs of the partner countries.
During this visit, Stefan Engler, President of the Council of States, was accompanied by members of the Office of the Council of States: First Vice President Werner Salzmann (SVP, BE), Second Vice President Mathilde Crevoisier Crelier (SP, JU), and Council members Thierry Burkart (FDP, AG) and Mathias Zopfi (The Greens, GL).