How is Switzerland's ODA changing over time?

Switzerland's ODA peaked in 2023 and has begun to decline.

Switzerland's approach to ODA is shaped by the consensus-based, multi-party government and a centre-right parliamentary majority that as of year prioritises fiscal restraint. While most parties support humanitarian assistance and international cooperation in principle, ODA is often treated as a flexible budget line which competes with domestic priorities, such as pensions, healthcare, and defense spending. Scepticism about expanding ODA exists across the political spectrum.

The public is generally cautiously supportive of ODA, especially when linked to Swiss interests such as security, migration, or climate stability, but ODA is rarely a top political issue. Recent annual polls showed a decline in support for increases in ODA.

Recent ODA cuts reflect budget consolidation under the debt brake, parliamentary decisions to reduce international cooperation envelopes, rising IDRC, and re-prioritisation toward Ukraine and therefore, it is likely that Switzerland's ODA will move to a declining trajectory.