Summary

The SECO published on January 9, 2026 the second project call for reconstruction projects in Ukraine with Swiss companies. The federal government will provide up to CHF 150 million in co-financing. Swiss firms can submit project proposals until March 8, 2026, that respond to Ukraine's priority needs. The focus is on strengthening public infrastructure, with support contributions between 3 and 30 million francs.

Persons

  • Representatives of the authorities of Switzerland and Ukraine (evaluation committee)

Topics

  • Reconstruction and infrastructure
  • Swiss private sector engagement
  • International development cooperation
  • Public financing and co-financing

Detailed Summary

As part of the Swiss country program Ukraine 2025–2028, Switzerland has provided over 1.5 billion francs for reconstruction, reforms, and sustainable development projects. The current second project call is part of this comprehensive support strategy and is specifically aimed at Swiss companies operating in Ukraine.

The evaluation process follows a two-stage procedure: In the first phase, submitted project ideas are evaluated based on predefined selection criteria. The selected companies then have the opportunity to submit a fully developed project proposal. Additionally, interviews are conducted to clarify outstanding questions. A mixed committee of representatives from Swiss and Ukrainian authorities makes the final decision.

The first project call in 2025 showed strong response: approximately 60 Swiss companies submitted nearly 80 project proposals. The federal government supported the twelve highest-rated projects with a total of 93 million francs. The supported projects focus on infrastructure (energy and housing), public transport, health, and humanitarian mine clearance. These projects are currently being implemented.


Key Messages

  • Second project call with up to CHF 150 million federal financing for co-financing
  • Application deadline: March 8, 2026
  • Project size: Individual contributions between 3 and 30 million francs
  • Focus: Public infrastructure according to Ukrainian priorities
  • Success of the first call: 12 supported projects with 93 million francs
  • Total budget: 500 million francs for Swiss private sector projects in the country program 2025–2028

Stakeholders & Affected Parties

StakeholderRole
Swiss companiesApplicants and project implementers
Swiss federal government (SECO)Financier and program coordinator
UkraineRecipient country and priority definer
Swiss private sectorEconomic opportunities and engagement
Ukrainian populationBeneficiary of infrastructure projects

Opportunities & Risks

OpportunitiesRisks
Economic opportunities for Swiss companiesImplementation delays due to security situation
Reconstruction of critical infrastructureInsufficient funds for total need
Strengthening Switzerland-Ukraine relationsCorruption risks in project diversion
Sustainable development projectsTechnical or logistical challenges
Creation of local jobsDependence on political stability

Action Relevance

Relevant for decision-makers:

  • Swiss SMEs and large enterprises should review their capacities to participate in the project call and submit proposals by March 8, 2026
  • Authorities and associations should inform companies about the opportunity and offer support with applications
  • Monitoring: Tracking the implementation of the first 12 projects as success indicators for the overall program
  • Strategic planning: Evaluation of previous results to optimize future calls

Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking

  • [x] Central statements and figures verified (source: SECO press release)
  • [x] Financing amounts and deadlines verified
  • [x] Process steps and evaluation criteria documented
  • [ ] Independent verification of project implementation still pending
  • ⚠️ Current security situation in Ukraine not taken into account

Additional Research

  1. SECO – Ukraine Reconstruction: https://www.seco.admin.ch (official program information)
  2. Country Program Ukraine 2025–2028: Detailed financing structures and sector prioritization
  3. Evaluation report of the first project call: Success metrics and lessons learned
  4. Ukrainian reconstruction strategy: National Recovery Plan of Ukraine

References

Primary Source:
SECO Press Release – "Switzerland Launches Second Call for Reconstruction Projects in Ukraine" – January 12, 2026
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/Y9CH2GtTJ39XpKSntlrUJ

Supplementary Sources:

  1. Call for Proposals for Swiss Companies in Ukraine – Official tender (application deadline: March 8, 2026)
  2. Swiss Country Program Ukraine 2025–2028 – Financing overview
  3. Evaluation Report Project Call 2025 – Twelve supported projects and their implementation status

Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 12, 2026 (publication date of the press release)


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This text was created with the assistance of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: January 12, 2026