Switzerland to contribute over EUR 19 mln to social inclusion in Estonia

TALLINN - Estonia and Switzerland are to sign an agreement at Tallinn Town Hall at 10 a.m. on Friday, under which Switzerland will support the enhancement of social inclusion in Estonia with 19.2 million euros from 2024 to 2028.

The aim of this support measure is to improve the opportunities for people living in Estonia, particularly those with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, to participate more actively in Estonian society. The measure focuses on integration, including adaptation, improving the accessibility and quality of education and social welfare services, and promoting social innovation.

Culture Minister Heidy Purga will give a welcome speech at the event. The agreement will be signed by Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Estonia Martin Michelet and Deputy Director-General of the State Shared Service Center Urmo Merila.

The social inclusion program will be implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Culture, along with the Social Ministry, Ministry of Education and Research, and Interior Ministry. The national coordination unit for the cooperation program is the State Shared Service Center.