Pristina, 27 April 2026
Building on decades of friendship and close bilateral relations, Kosovo and Switzerland today marked their longstanding partnership with the launch of
the Swiss Cooperation Programme in Kosovo for 2026–2029.
At a joint event in Pristina attended by institutional leaders, partners, and beneficiaries, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Kosovo Jürg Sprecher, Ambassador Patricia Danzi, Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, reaffirmed the strong friendship between the two countries.
Ambassador Sprecher recalled that Switzerland’s support has always been guided by a strong commitment to the people of Kosovo and to the country’s progress, noting that as Kosovo continues to advance, the new Cooperation Programme reflects a shift toward a more strategic and mutually reinforcing partnership.
On behalf of all Swiss federal entities present at the event, Patricia Danzi, Ambassador and Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), addressed the participants. ‘Our focus with the Cooperation Programme 2026–2029 is fully aligned with Kosovo’s development strategy and built in close partnership with national and local institutions, the private sector, and civil society. While the programme represents a significant €70 million commitment, its true value lies beyond the funding itself. Resources matter only when they translate into real impact—when they improve lives, strengthen systems, and create meaningful opportunities for people across Kosovo.”” stated Ambassador Danzi.
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, thanked Switzerland for its continued support, underlining the close ties between the two countries and the important role of the Kosovo diaspora in Switzerland. He noted that Switzerland is among Kosovo’s largest bilateral cooperation partners and the second-largest foreign investor, emphasizing that this strong partnership will continue to shape cooperation between the two countries in the years ahead.
‘’Kosova’s goal is clear: full membership in the European Union. Our National Development Strategy 2030 serves as the roadmap, and the Swiss Cooperation
Programme 2026-2029 is closely aligned with it and with EU reform priorities. Every Swiss franc, every hour of technical expertise, and every policy exchange is a contribution to our European journey. To Switzerland: thank you,’’ stated Prime Minister Kurti.
The Swiss Cooperation Programme in Kosovo 2026–2029 reflects the shared commitment of Switzerland and Kosovo to maintaining stability, promoting sustainable development and addressing emerging challenges. Aligned with the priorities of the Government of Kosovo, the programme focuses on three main areas: Democratic Governance and Peace; Sustainable Economic Development and Green Transition; and Equitable Human Development. Bilateral cooperation on migration issues of mutual interest will also continue. Switzerland’s financial contribution for the next four years amounts to CHF 64.5 million (EUR 70 million).
The Cooperation Programme has been developed through an inclusive approach, involving the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the FDFA State Secretariat’s Peace and Human Rights Division, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
