The Federal council of Switzerland sent the Romanian government a proposal for the allocation of 170 million euro – the payment of the country for the broadening of the European Union in favour of Romania and Bulgaria.

According to the proposal, the payment of Switzerland is meant to close the economical and social gap between the Union and the new countries within a period of five years.

Romania will receive about 120 million euro, and Bulgaria – about 50 million euro.

The proposal of Switzerland is based on the Federal law for co-operation with countries from Eastern Europe, approved on November 26th 2006.

Switzerland is interested in the harmonized integration of both countries in the EU, states the ministry announcement. The engagement of Switzerland is not only an act of solidarity, but also contributes to the economical and political relations between Bulgaria, Romania and the EU.