Press Release l WBF-Switzerland kick-off the 2nd phase of the cooperation programe

Tirana, 8 May 2026 | Today, at a ceremony organised at the Swiss Embassy in Tirana, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Western Balkans Fund officially launched the second phase of their cooperation.

Part of the second phase, is a financial contribution amounting to approximately CHF 1 million for 2026-29.

This contribution will further support the institutional strengthening of the Western Balkans Fund, the diversification of its grant schemes and the expansion of its outreach and long-term sustainability.

As part of this cooperation programme, a new co-funded grant scheme will be introduced, focusing on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion. The Gender Equality Fund is already open for applications LINK.

During the event, the Swiss Ambassador to Tirana, Ruth Huber, stated: “Regional cooperation must function at all levels. An important characteristic of the Western Balkans Fund is that it is owned by the WB6 governments – and we value this. At the same time, we look forward to seeing that ownership for regional cooperation is continuously reinforced at ministerial level and making the WBF a mechanism that smoothens the cooperation at government level”.

On his behalf, the Executive Director of the Western Balkans Fund, Dr. Murra emphasised: “For us, this second phase is not only a continuation. It is an upgrade. It is a vote of confidence in the Western Balkans Fund and the regional cooperation. And this will be the motivation guiding us in this new stage”.

The Western Balkans Fund is a regional organisation, established by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the region, with the mission to strengthen cooperation and reconciliation among the people of the Western Balkans.

Since its establishment in 2017, the Fund has provided over 470 regional grants, with a total envelope exceeding EUR 3.2 million.

For media inquiries, please contact
Bledar.hodobashi@eda.admin.ch
Klevis.gjoni@westernbalkansfund.org