Switzerland and Ukraine have reached an agreement to significantly boost financial support for reconstruction projects from 50 to 100 million Swiss francs.
This information was released by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.
Switzerland will allocate 100 million francs for Ukraine's recovery
The agreement was signed by Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy Julia Svyrydenko and the Swiss Ambassador to Ukraine, Jacques Gerber.
The increase in funding was prompted by the strong interest of Swiss companies already operating in Ukraine and their potential to aid in its recovery.
Julia Svyrydenko noted that the additional 50 million francs will be directed towards initiatives in:
civil population protection
infrastructure restoration
municipal development
enhancement of public services.
She expressed particular interest in cooperation in energy, transportation, housing construction, water supply, healthcare, industrial engineering, and education.
Ambassador Jacques Gerber remarked that Swiss enterprises continue to operate in Ukraine, providing employment and paying taxes despite existing challenges.
The allocated 100 million francs are part of a broader assistance program for Ukraine from Switzerland, totaling 1.5 billion francs for the period of 2025-2028.
In the long term, Switzerland plans to invest 5 billion francs in a 12-year support program for Ukraine.
On March 19, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs decided to double the funding for reconstruction projects in Ukraine to 100 million Swiss francs.
Switzerland supported the lifting of the ban on the re-export of weapons to Ukraine
Swiss President Viola Amherd stated her support for lifting the existing ban on the transfer of Swiss-made weapons from other countries to Ukraine.
According to her, the difficulties faced by the defense industry pose a threat to national security.
The President emphasized that Switzerland does not plan to carry out direct arms supplies to countries involved in military conflicts. However, despite its traditional neutrality, Switzerland became one of the 14 largest global arms exporters in 2022.