Switzerland’s development cooperation in Albania: 2025–2028 outlook 

Switzerland’s cooperation programme for Albania will continue with its focus on economic development, infrastructure services and climate change, while gradually reducing activities in other areas. 

This follows budgetary decisions taken by the Swiss Parliament in December 2024, and discussions on bilateral and multilateral cooperation for 2025–2028. The Swiss Parliament has decided on budget reductions in international cooperation for the period 2025–2028. These decisions, formalized by the Swiss Federal Council on 29 January 2025, require adjustments to Switzerland’s engagement in various countries, including Albania. 

As a result of this transition, selected areas of cooperation will be gradually reduced by 2028. The gradual reduction only concerns the funding through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); this does not affect support provided to Albania through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). 

Switzerland remains committed to support Albania on its development path until and beyond 2028, in particular through instruments of economic development cooperation funded by SECO, promoting a socially, environmentally and climate-friendly economic growth. SECO support covers areas such as strengthening financial institutions, macro-economic stability, private sector growth, an enabling business environment, and the green transition. This adjustment in Switzerland’s priorities also reflects Albania’s significant progress toward European integration which leads to new modalities in development cooperation. 

Switzerland will ensure that its cooperation adapts to this current progress and remains aligned with Albania’s economic aspirations. An important focus will continue to lie on providing expertise of Swiss competence centers and establishing partnerships between Swiss and Albanian institutions. The current Swiss cooperation programme in Albania is funded by SDC and SECO and has an annual volume of around 27 million Euro, covering democratic governance, economic development, infrastructure services and health. Switzerland will continue working closely with its partners to facilitate a structured transition, building on previous achievements and supporting Albania’s further development. Switzerland values its long-standing partnership with Albania and looks forward to continued collaboration in key areas of mutual interest.