Overview
How can Swiss companies, institutions and experts benefit from the Second Swiss Contribution? At a joint event organised by the FDFA/SDC, EAER/SECO and the Chamber of Commerce Switzerland Central Europe (SEC), participants will gain insights into the current implementation status and concrete participation opportunities in the EU-13 countries.
Content
On Tuesday, 27 October 2026, the FDFA/SDC, EAER/SECO and the Chamber of Commerce Switzerland Central Europe (SEC) invite interested participants to an information and networking event in Bern.
The event will focus on the Second Swiss Contribution, in particular its cohesion component, which aims to strengthen cohesion in Europe and further enhance bilateral relations between Switzerland and the partner countries.
Participants will receive an overview of the current implementation status of the programmes and learn about concrete opportunities for Swiss companies, institutions and experts to become involved. Practical examples will demonstrate how Swiss stakeholders can contribute their expertise to projects and partnerships in the EU-13 countries.
A further programme item will address the possible future Swiss contribution within the framework of the Switzerland-EU Package (Bilaterals III). The discussion will highlight opportunities and perspectives for Swiss partners, experts and companies in the context of future relations between Switzerland and the European Union.
Speakers will include Ambassador Didier Chassot (SDC), Ambassador Pietro Lazzeri (SECO), Martina Durrer (SDC), Laurence Mortier (SECO), Ambassador Stephan Lauper (FDFA) and Oliver Bertschinger, President and Managing Director of the Chamber of Commerce Switzerland Central Europe (SEC).
In addition, several business representatives, to be announced at a later stage, will share their practical experiences and insights from their involvement in projects and partnerships related to the Second Swiss Contribution.
Programme
| 14:00 | Arrival and Welcome Coffee |
| 14:30 | Welcome Didier Chassot, Pietro Lazzeri and Oliver Bertschinger |
| 14:50 | Implementation Status of the Second Swiss Contribution Insights into the content, current implementation status, and participation opportunities for Swiss stakeholders — with a focus on the role of Swiss experts, partner institutions and companies, including practical examples. With Martina Durrer, Laurence Mortier and company representatives (TBD) |
| 15:30 – 15:50 | Q&A Moderated by Oliver Bertschinger, SEC |
| 15:50 | Outlook: The Possible Swiss Contribution within the Switzerland–EU Package On the role of Swiss partners, experts and companies in the future context of bilateral relations. With Ambassador Stephan Lauper, Head of EU Coordination, State Secretariat FDFA |
| 16:20 | Q&A Moderated by Oliver Bertschinger, SEC |
| 16:45 | Closing Remarks Didier Chassot and Pietro Lazzeri |
| 16:45 – 18:00 | Networking Apéro |
More Information
📅 Date: Tuesday, 27. October 2026
🕝 Time: 14.00 bis 18.00, including Apéro Riche
📍 Place: Bernerhof, Bankettsaal, Bundesgasse 3, 3011 Bern
Who Should Attend?
This event is particularly relevant for:
- Representatives of the EU-13 countries in Switzerland
- Swiss companies active in, or interested in, the partner countries
- Experts, institutions and organisations involved in cohesion programmes
- Stakeholders from business, academia, education and the public sector
- Members of the Chamber of Commerce Switzerland Central Europe (SEC)
Registration
Organizers
