Partnerships and tenders
Through its contribution, Switzerland aims to strengthen its relations with the partner countries in the EU and promote institutional partnerships. These partnerships are invaluable for strengthening networks in Europe. This cooperation promotes knowledge- and experience-sharing.
The Swiss contribution to selected EU member states promotes the image of Switzerland as a responsible partner that shows solidarity, and works together reliably and constructively to tackle challenges that all of Europe faces. Its targeted contributions support partnerships that strengthen ties between partner countries and Switzerland at national and sub-national level, as well as between cities, municipalities, universities, research institutions, schools, companies and non-governmental organisations. Through these partnerships, Switzerland aims to bring in its expertise, experience, models and technologies towards furthering the success of the projects.
To ensure that the funds from the Swiss contribution flow directly into projects and programmes in the partner countries, Switzerland concludes bilateral implementation agreements with these countries in which country-specific thematic priorities are agreed. These agreements provide the framework for the programmes and projects that are then carried out in close cooperation between Switzerland and the partner countries.
Implementation is guided by the principles of the rule of law and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Swiss engagement is transparent, sustainable and results-oriented. Gender equality and the inclusion of socially disadvantaged groups are factored in. In addition, activities are geared to local needs and backed up by the value added from Swiss expertise.
Calls for project submissions
Swiss partners are asked to submit projects. In many cases, projects are selected in a competitive procedure. In principle, the partner country is responsible for selecting suitable projects. Switzerland examines the project proposals and decides on funding.
Many countries select the projects in a competitive procedure. Public institutions in the partner countries (e.g. municipalities, regional and national authorities, and international organisations) can submit project proposals. As a rule, an advisory committee consisting of line ministries, regional and local authorities, non-governmental organisations, academia and the private sector helps to decide on which project proposals to accept. During the project approval phase, Switzerland is also keen to draw Swiss partner institutions into the projects, thus promoting experience-sharing.
Public tenders
The partner countries issue public tenders for supplies, construction work and services for Swiss contribution projects. Swiss companies can also apply.
All tenders for supplies, construction work and services for projects funded by the Swiss contribution and the EU's European Structural and Investment Funds and Cohesion Fund are also open to Swiss companies. These tenders are linked accordingly on Simap.
The awarding of contracts for supplies and services is a process that takes place after project selection and approval. As part of project implementation and in accordance with the applicable national legislation and international (WTO/EU) legal provisions, the executing agencies issue public tenders for supplies, construction work and services for Swiss contribution projects in the partner countries.
If the EU provisions are applicable, the entire award procedure must be published and is subject to the obligation of transparency. In these cases, the tenders are not only published in the partner country, but also throughout the EU. Once the tendering procedure has been completed, the executing agency concludes the corresponding supply and service contracts with the selected service providers.
Contact
Swiss Contribution to EU Member States / Cohesion Section
Holzikofenweg 36
3003 Bern