The Swiss presence in Albania is entering a new phase, with the two countries inaugurating a cycle of cooperation for the period 2026–2028, based on a relationship that already spans over three decades.
Bern remains one of Tirana's most important bilateral development partners, having invested more than 500 million Swiss francs in areas such as institutional strengthening, local government reform, vocational training, macroeconomic stability and health. The new programming period aims to shift the emphasis from simple support to deeper institutional partnership.
Στο επίκεντρο του σχεδιασμού βρίσκονται τρεις βασικοί άξονες: η ενίσχυση της χρηστής διακυβέρνησης με έμφαση στη συμμετοχικότητα, η τόνωση της οικονομίας και της απασχόλησης, καθώς και η βιώσιμη αστική ανάπτυξη σε συνδυασμό με την αντιμετώπιση των προκλήσεων της κλιματικής αλλαγής. Παράλληλα, δίνεται ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στη δημιουργία «διδύμων» συνεργασιών μεταξύ δημόσιων φορέων των δύο χωρών, από τις στατιστικές υπηρεσίες και τα ινστιτούτα μετρολογίας έως τα γραφεία πνευματικής ιδιοκτησίας και τη μετεωρολογική υπηρεσία της Ελβετίας.
The Minister Of europe And foreign Affairs Of albania, , sent a message of continuity and expansion Of political Communication between bern and tirana, emphasizing that cooperation can become more targeted in areas such as innovation, cybersecurity, tourism and vocational training. as she Noted, the two sides have common areas of interest that can be translated into tangible results.
On the Swiss side, the head of the department responsible for Europe and the Middle East at the (SDC), spoke of a transition to a more mature phase of cooperation, which is not limited to financial tools but extends to technical dialogue, exchange of know-how and interconnection of institutions and societies. He even clarified that Switzerland's commitment does not end in 2028, but will be linked to Albania's European perspective.
In the economic sector, the (SECO) highlighted as a priority the formation of a more competitive economy, with support for fiscal balance, strengthening financial sector supervision and improving the business environment, so that Albanian businesses meet European standards and increase their export potential.
The Swiss Ambassador to Tirana, , emphasized the importance of direct institutional ties, noting that in the coming years, Swiss federal centers of expertise in areas such as water, energy, science and statistics will be utilized more systematically.
The new period of cooperation, as it is being shaped, is not limited to a formal renewal of programs. It reflects a strategic choice to deepen relations, aiming for a more resilient economy and stronger institutions, at a time when Albania's path towards Europe remains a key axis of reference.
