The current strategy

The overall aim of the Swedish reform cooperation with Türkiye is to assist in the EU accession process. Given the sheer of Türkiye and the possibility to achieve any kind of result with limited resources, the focus of support is the Copenhagen criteria, specifically "strengthened democracy, greater respect for human rights and a more fully developed state under the rule of law". In this framework, further specification is provided by the "Results strategy for Sweden's reform cooperation with Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans and Turkey" in the form of the following expected results for Türkiyefor the period 2014-2020:

"Expected results in Türkiye"

Strengthened democracy, greater respect for human rights and a more fully developed state under the rule of law:

Focusing on a strengthened public administration and judicial system

• An efficient public administration with administrative capacity to implement reforms for closer relations with the EU, with emphasis on fundamental rights.
• A more efficient judicial system that better guarantees the right to a fair trial in accordance with European standards.
• A reduction in gender-based violence.

Focusing on increased enjoyment of rights and greater opportunities to exercise democratic influence

• A more pluralistic civil society with strengthened popular support, which promotes democratic accountability.
• Turkey better fulfils its international and national commitments on human rights, gender equality (including the EU's strategy for equality between women and men) and non-discrimination.
• Women and men have, to greater extent, the same power to shape society and their own lives.

The annual financial contribution for the strategy period is approximately 70 million SEK channelled and managed through the Embassy in Ankara, and 7 million SEK channelled through Swedish Consulate General in Istanbul. The current cooperation aims to strengthen Türkiye's democratic structures and capacity to implement necessary reform ahead of EU membership. The choice of sector is based on the analysis of the Sweden's comparative advantages, Türkiye's strategies and development plans with respect to Türkiye's EU accession process.

For a detailed review, the full Strategy Document for 2014-2020 can be found here.

The details of Swedish contribution to Türkiye through years can be found here.

For additional information on how to apply for funds please visit Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul here.