Lessons Learned from Development cooperation with Russia

Swedish support to the reform process in Russia was initiated at a limited level atthe beginning of the 1990s and was primarily located in North West Russia.Over the next few years, cooperation expanded rapidly in terms of scope andgeographical extent. At its highest point in 2006, cooperation volume amounted toapproximately SEK 360 million. In 2005, in the light of Russia’s strong economic growth, the government took adecision to phase out support to Russia. In 2007 it was decided to phase outdevelopment cooperation by 2009 and transfer activities to regular, neighbouringstate cooperation within the following areas; human rights, the environment andnuclear safety. The purpose of this report is to summarise and report the results of Swedishreform support to Russia and is intended to provide an overall picture of the scopeand results of these cooperation activities during the period 1991–2008.