Ukraine and Switzerland signed a Memorandum on the launch of economic stability programme for 2026-2030

On 21 January, Ukraine and Switzerland signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which kick-starts a new large-scale economic sustainability programme called Competitiveness for Ukraine's Recovery 2026-2030.

The signing took place between the Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, Oleksii Sobolev, and the Federal Council Delegate for Ukraine, Jacques Gerber, from the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs. The event took place during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

"Cooperation between Ukraine and Switzerland under the new programme will significantly increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises and their integration into European and global value chains. Priority areas include agribusiness and food processing, sustainable construction, woodworking, mechanical engineering and IT. I would like to thank our Swiss partners for their support and confidence in Ukraine's future," said Oleksii Sobolev.

The memorandum defines four strategic areas of work:

• Simplification of business conditions: Improving the regulatory framework, digitising public services and reducing regulatory pressure on entrepreneurs.
• Strengthening institutions: Supporting business associations and regional development agencies that will help SMEs enter new markets.
• Modernising enterprises: Direct technical assistance to businesses for the implementation of green technologies, automation and EU quality standards.
• Human capital development: Working with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to integrate veterans, women and internally displaced persons into economic processes.

The programme will cover 10 regions of Ukraine where Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) are already active, as well as regions covered by other Swiss-funded projects. This approach shall ensure the balanced recovery of communities and job creation directly in the regions. The programme is fully synchronised with national strategies and the Ukraine Facility plan.