New strategy for reform cooperation with Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans and Türkiye

This new strategy replaces the previous two separate strategies for reform cooperation with Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans and Türkiye, respectively. Under the new strategy, support will continue to go towards reforms aimed at strengthening democracy and economic development, and contribute to bringing the relevant countries closer towards the EU – a key issue in today’s geopolitical landscape. The strategy places greater emphasis on providing development assistance to countries that clearly demonstrate the will to implement reforms and move closer to the EU.

“Our support aims to help countries in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans implement reforms that promote democracy and economic development. In the process, we are helping to bring them closer to the EU. We are also building up resilience to Russia’s attempts to influence developments in those countries. Through a clear focus on countries that demonstrate a serious will to reform, we can help bring about real change,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa. 

Implementation of the strategy will take place in close collaboration between development assistance, trade and promotion, and take Swedish interests into consideration. The strategy also comprises regional support to Ukraine and thus complements the bilateral strategy for Ukraine adopted by the Government in June 2023.

The strategy for Sweden’s reform cooperation with Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans and Türkiye will apply for the period 2026–2023. It comprises a total of SEK 7.93 billion, which will be financed within the development assistance budget and disbursed as follows:

• Sida activities: SEK 7.42 billion
• Swedish Institute activities: SEK 394 million
• Folke Bernadotte Academy activities: SEK 82 million
•  Activities of the Consulate-General in Istanbul: SEK 35 million