The Swiss bishops have given their support to the federal law on cooperation with the states of Eastern Europe that will be voted in Parliament on 26 November. This law, say the bishops in a statement issued by the Commission of Justice and Peace, “emphasises the solidarity of Switzerland with the states of Eastern Europe in the throws of transformation. It is a contribution to peace, justice and stability in Europe”. The law, if approved, will form the legal basis to fund projects in the new member states of the Eu for a sum of 100 million Swiss francs per year for ten years. This – say the bishops – is “a way of reducing the disparities between rich and poor countries within the Eu, an imperative of justice that will also serve the economic, political and security interests of Switzerland”. The billion francs, explain the bishops, will be disbursed “neither to the Eu, nor to the cohesion fund, but will be given directly by Switzerland for democracy, education, infrastructures and the environment. It is now up to Parliament to decide on the funding”.
