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Launch of the Civic Engagement Programme: a new step in strengthening Swiss–Romanian cooperation


Switzerland and Romania marked, on 28 October 2025, the official launch of the Civic Engagement Programme, part of the second Swiss Contribution to the EU Member States, an important initiative aimed at strengthening civil society and promoting democratic values. Through this programme, Romania takes a further step toward building a mature civil society, capable of contributing actively to good governance, social dialogue, and community cohesion.

Over 130 participants, representatives of civil society organisations, the diplomatic community, and public institutions—gathered in Bucharest to celebrate the start of a Programme dedicated to fostering citizens’ active involvement in public life and to developing a solid, transparent, and inclusive civic space. The event brought together representatives of the Embassy of Switzerland in Bucharest, the National Coordination Unit, the Swiss Contribution Office, and the Programme Operator.

The Ministry of Finance, through the National Coordination Unit (NCU), ensures the overall coordination of the Swiss–Romanian Cooperation Programme at national level. During the event, Ms Raluca Diaconeasa-Gîrniță, Head of Unit within the Directorate-General for European Affairs and International Cooperation, underlined the importance of synergies among the programmes financed through the Swiss Contribution and their role in reducing socio-economic disparities and promoting sustainable development:

“The Civic Engagement Programme is a pillar designed to stimulate lasting change and to transform the diversity of initiatives into a coherent, citizen-centred effort that responds to the needs of the community.”

With a total allocation of CHF 14 million, the Civic Engagement Programme finances, through two calls for proposals, initiatives supporting civic participation, transparency, environmental and biodiversity protection, non-discrimination, media freedom, and assistance for vulnerable groups. During the event, representatives of the organisations proposed for funding discussed their submitted projects in a dedicated panel, and the second call for proposals, promoting civic involvement and participation, was officially presented.

The Programme is implemented by a consortium composed of the Foundation for the Development of Civil Society, the Foundation for Partnership, and KEK–CDC Switzerland, acting as the Programme Operator. (elvetiaromania.ro)