THE SECOND SWISS-HUNGARIAN COOPERATION PROGRAMME HAS STARTED - CEREMONIAL OPENING EVENT AND TRAINING
As it is already known, on November 8, 2022, the Framework Agreement on the Second Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme was signed in a ceremonial setting, which enables Hungary to use 87.60 million Swiss francs until the end of 2029. Together with HUF 6 billion in co-financing from the Hungarian Government, it is possible to use nearly HUF 40 billion in support. On this occasion, the Prime Minister's Office together with the Swiss Contribution Office held its ceremonial opening event and training on November 28-30, 2022, where more than fifty contributors of the preparation and implementation of the programme participated.
The event started with a visit to the development implemented in the First Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme in Sátoraljaújhely, where the participants reached the climbing wall centre on the small train purchased as part of the project, which also meets international requirements and increases the tourist attraction of Sátoraljaújhely with its popularity. Péter Szamosvölgyi, the mayor of the city, welcomed the guests and expressed his joy at the positive effects of the implemented project on the city and outlined the city's further development plans.
On the first day of the event, on behalf of the Swiss side, Jean-François Paroz, Ambassador of Switzerland to Hungary, greeted the participants, emphasized the mutually good opportunities inherent in the joint work of the two countries and wished them success in the cooperation.
From the Hungarian side, Gergely Vartus, the Head of the National Coordination Unit, greeted the participants, joining the event online he praised the effectiveness of the bilateral relationship between the Swiss Confederation and Hungary, which is based on a stable foundation, and thanked the Swiss side for their support, flexibility and cooperative attitude.
After that, the expected developments in the thematic areas of the current period and the application opportunities were presented by the persons in charge of the programmes and projects to be implemented.
The opening event was followed by two days of intensive training, where the staff of the National Coordination Unit and the Swiss Contribution Office prepared the participants for the challenges of the preparation and implementation period.
The event ended successfully, where the participants could share valuable remarks and ideas with each other, as well as lay the foundation for further successful bilateral cooperation.
We would also like to thank all participants for participating in the event, with the help of which the programmes and projects planned to be implemented with the support of the Second Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme can contribute to economic growth, energy efficiency, environmental protection and health improvements, social inclusion, and the stimulation of research and development and innovation.