- We are pleased that the agreement on the EEA and Norway Grants 2009-14 can finally be signed. These funds are a substantial contribution towards reducing social and economic disparities in Europe, said the Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the EU signed on 28th July the agreements for the EEA and Norway Grants 2009-14, after the EU member states agreed on the final distribution for the beneficiary countries. €1.79 billion will be made available to projects that contribute to social and economic development in 15 EU member states in Central and Southern Europe.
With the finalisation of the agreement, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will draw up a legal framework for the implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants 2009-14. The rules and regulations will build on the experience of the previous grant schemes and on consultations with the beneficiary states.
Once the legal framework has been agreed on, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will conduct negotiations with the respective beneficiary states on which thematic fields will receive funding, culminating in the signing of individual Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Projects will be financed through programmes that are expected to be launched from 2011 onwards.
Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will provide €357.7 million per year or a total sum of €1.79 billion in the 5 year period. Norway provides 97% of the total funding.
The EEA and Norway Grants 2009-14 come at a time when many of the beneficiary states are faced with a difficult economic situation.
- It is in Norway’s interest to contribute to economic and social development in these countries, Foreign Minister Støre said.
The EEA and Norway Grants 2009-14 will support projects within the fields of environmental protection and management, climate change and renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, green industry innovation, research and scholarship, protection of cultural heritage, civil society, promotion of decent work and tripartite dialogue, justice and home affairs, and human and social development.
More information on www.europaportalen.no
and www.eeagrants.org