Bilateral Synergies and Strategic Innovation: Switzerland and Croatia in Focus
In an in-depth interview with the magazine Diplomacy & Commerce, our founder, Dr. Urs Hammer, took stock of the close relations between the two countries shortly before the end of his term as Swiss Ambassador in Zagreb. The conversation shows how targeted Relationing and the exchange of know-how create tangible economic and social benefits.
Political Stability and Humanitarian Cooperation
Political relations between Switzerland and Croatia are excellent and marked by deep mutual trust. Urs Hammer notes that this closeness even extends to personal communication — he sometimes speaks with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman (who lived in Switzerland for a long time) in Swiss German. A milestone of his term was closer cooperation on humanitarian demining in Ukraine, where both countries pool their expertise.
Economic Exchange: The “Swiss Contribution” Effect
A central instrument of cooperation is the Swiss enlargement contribution. Urs Hammer explains how investments amounting to millions (currently the second tranche of CHF 45.7 million) have brought lasting improvements:
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Infrastructure: modernisation of water and wastewater systems.
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Health: a new focus on expanding palliative care.
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Investment: more than 70 Swiss companies are active in Croatia and create thousands of jobs. The high quality of Croatian skilled professionals is particularly valued.
Future Markets: AI and the Green Transition
For further economic development, Urs Hammer sees enormous potential in new technologies. Among other things, he initiated cooperation between the Croatian AI association CroAI and Swiss stakeholders to foster exchange in artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and automation. There are also major opportunities for cross-border partnerships in rail infrastructure and the green energy transition.
Cultural Bridges and the “Human Factor”
Around 100,000 people of Croatian origin live in Switzerland and act as important bridge-builders. Urs Hammer points to outstanding figures such as Nobel laureates Vladimir Prelog and Lavoslav Ružička, both of whom worked at ETH Zurich, or current leaders such as Marijana Jakić (CEO of St. Moritz Tourism). This personal interconnection strengthens not only science, but also tourism and cultural exchange.
The Conclusion: Quality as a Trademark
Whether in chocolate, watches, or strategic advisory work — for Urs Hammer, the Swiss secret of success lies in the combination of tradition, innovation, and the strictest quality control. He represented these values successfully in Zagreb, and they now form the core of the PUNT.URS philosophy.