The first anniversary of the Swiss Contribution In Hungary - Two new Support Measure Agreements for Hungary
On November 8, 2023, exactly one year after the signature of the Framework Agreement on the Second Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme, the Head of the National Coordination Unit, Gergely Vartus, Deputy State Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office and Jean-Francois Paroz, Ambassador of Switzerland, signed the Support Measure Agreements for the Fight Against Trafficking in Human Beings Programme and the Geothermal Energy Resources for District Heating Programme. Hungary has the first place among the 13 beneficiary countries in terms of programmes and projects adopted until now.
The aim of Fight Against Trafficking in Human Beings Programme is to help victims of trafficking to reintegrate into society and to prevent them from becoming victims or re-victimised. Nearly 1 billion HUF is available for this programme, including national co-financing.
The aim of the Geothermal Energy Resources for District Heating Programme is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable energy sources, in line with the new Hungarian Energy and Climate Strategy. Almost 6 billion HUF is available for the programme, including national co-financing.
On the occasion of the signing event, Szabolcs Ágostházy, State Secretary for EU Development of the Prime Minister's Office, stated that Switzerland is a prominent representative of true European values and a culture of cooperation in Europe, an attitude that has long been appreciated. Switzerland is committed to open and regular dialogue and, like Hungary, considers the peaceful and constructive international relations important.
In his speech, Ambassador Jean-Francois Paroz expressed that he was pleased to see the partnership with Swiss institutions, which is reflected in several programmes, and underlined the importance of the significant progress made in launching programmes and projects over the past year.
Gergely Vartus, Deputy State Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, said in his speech that during the development of professsional content the overall objectives of the cooperation programme were jointly pursued, in order to reducing economic and social inequalities and strengthening partnership, and social inclusion and environmental sustainability were also emphasised in the programmes.
We will continue to work hard in the period ahead to maintain our leading position for the future.
