The Alpine nation has committed to contributing CHF45.2 million ($50.2 million) to support Lithuania in health, vocational education and civic participation.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Português
pt
Suíça assina acordo de “pagamento de coesão” da UE com a Lituânia
On Monday, the Swiss ambassador to Lithuania and the Lithuanian finance minister signed the agreement for the Swiss-Lithuanian Cooperation Programme in Vilnius. It is part of a package of CHF1.3 billion in “cohesion payments” up to 2029 that Switzerland will be contributing to selected members of the European Union that face challenges of emigration.
Of the CHF45.2 million that Lithuania will receive, the biggest chunk of around CHF30 million has been earmarked for improving maternal and child health and wellbeing. The civic engagement programme will receive CHF10 million francs and is meant to help newcomers – youth, migrants and refugees – take part in civil society. The remaining CHF4.5 million will be channeled to vocational education programme.
“Switzerland did not doubt Lithuania’s determination to become an equal part of the community of Western democracies and since 1992 with its competences, experience, and resources has been contributing to the overall development of our country’s well-being. It is encouraging to find common bilateral interests in various areas of public policy,” said Lithuanian Finance Minister Gintarė Skaistė at the signing.
Cohesion payments are seen as the entry fee for non-EU members like Switzerland or Norway to take part in the European Single Market. They are aimed at reducing economic and social disparities and to manage migration better in selected EU member states.
What factors should be taken into account when inheriting Swiss citizenship abroad?
Should there be a limit to the passing on of Swiss citizenship? Or is the current practice too strict and it should still be possible to register after the age of 25?
US storm continues to sweep through Swiss stock market
This content was published on
The Swiss stock market continued to trade in the red mid-afternoon on Monday, following in the wake of the world's stock markets, which fell heavily as a result of the trade war launched by Donald Trump.
This content was published on
The referendum committee announced in Bern on Monday that it had collected more than 60,000 signatures against the e-ID project. The initials still need to be approved.
This content was published on
The number of offences committed by minors in canton Ticino, southern Switzerland, rose by over 20% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Swiss trout and pike found with excessive PFAS levels
This content was published on
Trout and pike in the lakes of western Switzerland contain excessive levels of the chemical group PFAS. This could jeopardise their saleability.
Swiss unions call for shorter days for construction workers
This content was published on
Construction workers need shorter days, say Swiss trade unions. Demonstrations are planned in Zurich and Lausanne on May 17.
Rapeseed restrictions cause problems for Swiss farmers
This content was published on
More and more Swiss farmers are abandoning rapeseed cultivation because they lack the means to protect the sensitive plants from pests.
Tariffs: Swiss index SMI down sharply in pre-market trading
This content was published on
The trade war unleashed by US President Donald Trump is causing a sell-off. According to experts' calculations, the leading Swiss SMI index is likely to fall by around 2%.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Parliament sets conditions on further EU payments
This content was published on
Switzerland should only make another billion-franc “cohesion” payment to the EU if the EU doesn’t discriminate against Switzerland, says parliament.
With EU deal stuck, Switzerland courts other partners
This content was published on
Switzerland is seeking out stronger partnerships with other nations, including the United States, in the absence of an agreement with the EU.
Will Switzerland sort out its differences with the EU in 2023?
This content was published on
The EU wants to govern relations with Switzerland with a packet of sectoral accords, but Switzerland is dragging its feet.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.