Bulgaria has signed a new agreement with Switzerland worth 21.35 million Swiss francs, which is about 23.1 million euros, to support migrant assistance programs. The announcement came from Bulgaria’s Ministry of Innovation, marking a major step to improve how the country manages and supports people seeking refuge. The funding will be used to boost structures already in place and introduce new programs to protect vulnerable groups.
The agreement will run until the end of 2029. During this period, Bulgaria plans to develop stronger cultural mediation services, provide better support for asylum seekers, and improve child protection systems across the country. Part of the plan includes digitalizing international protection procedures, which aims to make the process faster and more transparent for those applying for asylum.
Accommodation centers in Bulgaria will also be upgraded to ensure safer and more dignified living conditions for migrants. One of the most important parts of the agreement is the creation of a new reception unit for unaccompanied migrant and refugee children. Many children arrive in Europe without parents or guardians, and this new unit is expected to help provide initial care, safety, and support for them.
According to Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Migration, the project focuses on creating a migration system that understands and responds to human needs. Hendrick Krauskopf, head of the international relations directorate, emphasized that caring for vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied children must be a priority. He noted that the partnership with Bulgaria strengthens efforts to make migration policies safer and more humane.
This agreement is part of Switzerland’s larger financial support program for EU countries. As outlined by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Switzerland is contributing 1.3 billion Swiss francs to support EU member states that joined after 2004 and countries experiencing high migration pressures. The main goal is to build shared responsibility and cooperation across Europe.
For Bulgaria, this funding comes at a critical time as migration routes continue to shift. The country is positioned along pathways used by people moving through the Balkans toward Western Europe. Ensuring that support systems are strong and fair is important not only for migrants but also for social stability within local communities.
The agreement highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing migration. By working together, Bulgaria and Switzerland aim to ensure that migrants, especially children and vulnerable individuals, receive the protection and support they need.