2nd Swiss Contribution to reduce economic and social inequalities and to support measures in the area of migration for the Programming Period 2019–2029
The Swiss Confederation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Union for the 2nd Swiss Contribution on 30 June 2022, on the basis of which it will contribute a total amount of CHF 1.302.000.000 to reduce economic and social inequalities in the EU and to support measures in the area of migration, which will be granted to a selected number of EU member states, including Cyprus.
The amount allocated to Cyprus amounts to CHF 5,2 million (€5,4 million) for the reduction of economic and social inequalities (implementation period 2019-2029) and to CHF 10,0 million (€10,4 million) to support measures in the area of migration (implementation period 2019-2026).
Two Framework Agreements were signed between the Republic of Cyprus and the Swiss Confederation for the implementation of projects under the Second Swiss Contribution. The Framework Agreement on Migration was signed on October 31st, 2022 and the Framework Agreement on the reduction of economic and social inequalities was signed on December 12th, 2022.
Projects to reduce economic and social inequalities in the EU
(a) "Preventing domestic violence and protecting victims", with a grant of CHF 2,08 million. Project operator is the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO).
(b) "Rare Care", with a grant of CHF 2,0 million. Project operator is the Karaiskakio Foundation.
(c) "Contribution to the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus", with a grant of CHF 1,0 million. Project operator is the United Nations Development Program (UNPD), in cooperation with the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP).
(d) "Technical Assistance". An amount of CHF 0,12 million will be allocated.
Projects in the area of migration
(a) "Implementing efficient and high quality asylum procedures in accordance with the relevant EU law, by the Asylum Service", with a grant of CHF 8,8 million. Project operator is the Ministry of the Interior.
(b) "Supporting Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration", with a grant of CHF 1,05 million. Project operator is the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
(c) "Technical Assistance". An amount of CHF 0,15 million will be allocated.
Competent Bodies
National Coordination Unit – General Directorate of Development, Ministry of Finance
Paying Authority – The Verifications and Certification Directorate of the Treasury of the Republic of Cyprus
Audit Authority – Internal Audit Service of the Republic of Cyprus