news_20250701 - Swiss

Launch of the Social Inclusion Program

On June 30, 2025, the Social Inclusion Program was officially launched. This initiative is funded through the second Swiss Contribution to Romania, amounting to 23 million Swiss francs. The event was attended by the Minister of Labour, Mr. Petre-Florin Manole, His Excellency Mr. Massimo Baggi, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Bucharest, and representatives of the National Coordination Unit within the Ministry of Finance, the institution responsible for managing and coordinating this external contribution.

The program aims to reduce economic and social disparities by providing integrated community services in the fields of social assistance, education, and healthcare, with a particular focus on marginalized urban communities, especially the Roma population.

The program is structured around two major components:
1. Implementation of integrated public community services in seven cities with a significant presence of Roma communities. In July, the Ministry of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity will launch calls for projects targeted at urban administrative-territorial units. The maximum funding per project exceeds 2.3 million CHF. Projects may be developed in partnership with non-governmental organizations and Swiss partners. Eligible activities include social and educational services, primary and secondary healthcare, interventions to prevent school dropout, vocational counseling, awareness campaigns to combat addictions and domestic violence. This component is implemented by the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the Council of Europe.
2. Promotion of non-discrimination and intercultural dialogue through initiatives dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Roma minority, organizing debates and intercultural activities at local and national levels, with an allocation of nearly 3 million CHF.

The National Coordination Unit within the Ministry of Finance plays a crucial role in ensuring proper fund management, monitoring implementation, and facilitating inter-institutional cooperation, guaranteeing transparency, efficiency, and sustainable impact of the program. Ms. Cosmina Manolescu, Director General of the National Coordination Unit, emphasized in her opening speech the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, considering this program a driving force for structural change in Romanian society.

The Social Inclusion Program, supported through Romanian-Swiss bilateral cooperation, represents a key pillar in building a more equitable society, where integrated public services directly address the needs of the most vulnerable communities.