Commission backs applications for foreign aid
Published: Tuesday, Sep 3rd 2024, 18:00
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Switzerland is to have a total of around CHF 11 billion available for foreign aid over the next four years. The responsible committee of the Council of States agrees with the strategy for international cooperation from 2025 to 2028.
The Federal Council is requesting a total of CHF 11.27 billion for support abroad over the four years. It intends to use 13 percent of this loan amount, or CHF 1.5 billion, to help Ukraine with reconstruction.
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Council of States (FAC-S) unanimously approved two of the three sub-decisions of the Strategy for International Cooperation (IC) and the third by 12 votes to 1. This was announced by the parliamentary services on Tuesday.
Discussions focused on the status of implementation of the support program for Ukraine for the years 2025 to 2028, the level of commitment credits and the linking of development cooperation with migration issues.
By 8 votes to 4, the APK-S approved the reduction of programs in the priority countries of bilateral development cooperation if these countries do not show sufficient willingness to accept the link with migration policy.
However, it rejected proposals to reduce aid to Ukraine or to increase the quota for official development assistance to 0.5% of gross national income. With a Commission motion, the APK-S is calling for a legal basis for aid to Ukraine.
The Federal Council's preferred treaty is not appropriate, according to the Commission. Parliament could have more of a say in a law, and the law could also be limited in time.
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