Close contacts exist between Hungarian and Swiss institutions and civil society, partly due to personal links dating back to the late 1950ies, when Switzerland received many refugees from Hungary, partly stemming from the first phase of transition in the 1990ies. During the preparation of the Swiss Contribution, various stakeholders in Switzerland (cities, trade unions) signalled their interest to intensify partnerships and implement joint projects with their Hungarian partner.

The Partnership Fund substantially increases mutual cooperation and partnerships between Hungarian and Swiss institutions, municipalities and not-for-profit organisations. Approximately 40 projects realized in partnership between Hungarian and Swiss towns and municipalities, NGOs or social partners solve concrete problems in Hungary and improve the living conditions of the local population thanks to transfer of know-how and best practices between the two countries.

Calls for project proposals periodically invite applicants to submit their sub-projects in specific thematic areas. The submitted sub-projects are assessed by one of the three evaluation committees, which are composed of different Hungarian bodies (NGOs, municipal associations, National Council for the reconciliation of interests) as well as the Swiss Embassy. Towns, municipalities, NGOs or social partners of both countries implement the projects together thanks to transfer of know-how and best practices, under observance of the re-granter who is responsible for the monitoring of the projects.

The expected results are:

• Managerial set-up of the Fund is established and operational;
• Open calls with necessary information activities are organized and submitted applications assessed;
• Sub-projects are implemented under control and supervision of the re-granter and accompanied by information and publicity measures.