Switzerland and Bulgaria sign migration agreement
Bern-Wabern, 28.10.2025 — On 28 October, Switzerland and Bulgaria signed a framework agreement in Sofia on the implementation of a bilateral cooperation programme on migration under the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. Under the programme, CHF 21.35 million will be used to finance the accommodation and care of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and the digitalisation of asylum procedures. Through this programme, Switzerland is helping to strengthen European migration management.
The agreement was signed by Hendrick Krauskopf, vice director of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), and deputy prime minister of Bulgaria, Tomislav Donchev. Mr Krauskopf visited a facility in Sofia which is set to be converted into an initial reception centre for unaccompanied minor asylum seekers as part of the future programme. During the visit, he exchanged views with representatives of the Bulgarian migration authorities and non-governmental organisations, and discussed in particular the protection of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers.
The Federal Council approved the agreement on 27 August. The contribution of CHF 21.35 million is intended to support Bulgaria in expanding its reception capacities. The funds are earmarked for the accommodation and care of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers, the employment of cultural mediators and the digitalisation of asylum procedures in Bulgaria.
The second Swiss contribution benefits selected EU member states. CHF 190 million of this funding is designated for projects in the field of migration. The aim is to support EU member states that are particularly affected by migration.
Switzerland selected Bulgaria for the second phase of cooperation (2025–29) based on objective criteria. The decisive factors in favour of Bulgaria were the scale of migration movements and their impact on Switzerland, given that many asylum seekers enter Switzerland via Bulgaria. Furthermore, Bulgaria has taken in a large number of refugees from Ukraine. It also has one of the most important external Schengen borders in terms of irregular migration.
Support in Switzerland's and Europe's interests
The number of asylum applications in Switzerland is heavily influenced by migration to Europe, reception capacities, and the migration management of countries along migration routes. Through cooperation within the framework of the Swiss contribution, Switzerland is reaffirming its commitment to, and solidarity with EU member states that play a key role in receiving migrants. This helps to reduce irregular secondary migration within the EU and to Switzerland.
The framework credit for migration aims to strengthen migration management structures in Europe and forms part of Switzerland's EU policy. Support may be provided in the following areas: asylum procedures, infrastructure, voluntary return, reintegration assistance, and integration measures aimed at preventing irregular secondary migration.