Swiss Delegation's Visit to Vinnytsia: New Projects and Prospects for Cooperation

Swiss representatives presented several projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and sustainable development of Ukrainian cities.

"We have several projects for which we are looking for donors. They relate to improving the quality of drinking water, reconstructing heating systems, and rebuilding urban space after the war. We present these projects at international platforms in search of partners," said Vinnytsia Mayor Serhii Morhunov.

During the meeting, Silvan Hungerbühler, Deputy Head of the Cooperation Program at the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine, noted that he was impressed with how Vinnytsia is developing and coping with the challenges of the war.

"We understand that your community is facing many challenges that need to be addressed, especially in times of war. However, even in such difficult circumstances, we are very impressed with the work you are doing. At some points, we can see the results of our assistance. We are sincerely admiring this," he said.

As part of the visit, the Swiss visited the facilities where their experts and funds were involved, including Khimik Park, Zamostianska Street, and district heating boilers.

"I was especially pleased during my visit to the boiler house, which was built and reconstructed with the help of a Swiss project and direct support. The team that works there is also pleased that thanks to this boiler house, the city can provide quality services," said Christof Sonderegger, Program Manager at the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

The head of the community, Serhii Morhunov, emphasized that our city's cooperation with Switzerland began in 2006 with the Zurich Trams for Vinnytsia project and expanded to the field of energy efficiency and district heating.

"I am grateful to the government of the Swiss Confederation and SECO for their support and willingness to implement projects in Ukraine and our community even in times of war. I would like to note that in the first months of the full-scale invasion, Switzerland deployed a humanitarian mission to Vinnytsia to provide supplies to the affected cities and IDPs. The Swiss purchased more than 1,700 tons of supplies, which was extremely timely and valuable for us. So we hope for further cooperation," said Serhii Morhunov.

The mayor also emphasized that thanks to international cooperation, Vinnytsia was the first in Ukraine to receive the European Energy Award.

For reference.

The European Energy Award has become a catalyst for close cooperation with foreign partners. Thus, in 2011, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State Secretariat of Economic Affairs of the Swiss Confederation and the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Communal Services of Ukraine, the Executive Committee of Vinnytsia City Council, and Vinnytsia City Heating Company on providing technical and financial assistance for the Energy Efficiency Project in Vinnytsia. The purpose of this memorandum was to improve the city's infrastructure and energy efficiency.