What are the EEA and Norway Grants?
The EEA Agreement includes a common goal to reduce social and economic disparities in the enlarged European Economic Area (EEA). Norway is contributing to this through the EEA and Norway Grants, which also aims to strengthen the relations between Norway and the beneficiary states. As a consequence of the recently concluded negotiations with the EU, the EEA/EFTA countries Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein will provide EUR 357.7 million a year in the period 2009–2014.
Why is Norway contributing to social and economic cohesion?
Since the EEA Agreement entered into force 15 years ago, Norway has contributed to social and economic cohesion in the least prosperous countries in the EEA area through various financial mechanisms. This is part of Norway’s active European policy, which is aimed at creating a Europe characterised by solidarity and security. This is in our own interests, as well as in the interests of all Europeans. Reducing disparities between the countries in the EEA area will improve the functioning of the internal market, which is also in Norway’s interests.
What will the funds be used for in the period 2009–2014?
The funds provided by Norway will go to areas that are important in a European context, such as the environment, climate change, health and research. Some of the funds will be earmarked for projects related to carbon capture and storage (CCS). Efforts to strengthen civil society will be continued. A social dialogue fund will be established with a view to promoting tripartite cooperation and efforts to combat social dumping.
Priority sectors for the EEA and Norway Grants 2009–2014:
Environmental protection and management
Climate change and renewable energy
Carbon capture and storage (CCS)
Green industry innovation
Research and scholarship
Protecting cultural heritage
Civil society
Promotion of decent work and tripartite dialogue
Justice and home affairs
Human and social development
Local government capacity building
Public health
Children at risk
Gender equality
Which countries are eligible for support under the EEA and Norway Grants?
The 12 newest EU member states, as well as Spain, Portugal and Greece, are eligible for support under the EEA Grants. The Norway Grants are only open to the 12 new member states. Poland, Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Lithuania are the beneficiary states that together will receive the greatest share of the funding. Norway’s aim has been to concentrate its efforts on the beneficiary states with the least resources. The EU has been concerned that the countries that receive support from the EU should also receive funds under the EEA Grants. Greece, Portugal and Spain are not eligible for support under the Norway Grants.
How large a share of the total amount will be paid by Norway?
The EEA Grants and Norway Grants for the period 2009–2014 are funded through two financial mechanisms: the EEA financial mechanism, which will make available annual tranches of EUR 197.7 million; and the Norwegian financial mechanism, which will make available annual tranches of EUR 160 million. Norway’s annual contribution is approximately 97% of the annual amount, i.e. EUR 347 million a year.
How will the EEA and Norway Grants be made available?
The EEA and Norway Grants will be administered according to a programming framework model. This means that programmes will be established in the various priority sectors in the beneficiary states. Funds will be channelled through these programmes.
Who is eligible for funds under the EEA and Norway Grants?
Actors in the 15 beneficiary states may apply for funding for development projects under the EEA and Norway Grants, and they are responsible for implementing them. These actors include central government, regional and local authorities, public institutions and organisations and private sector bodies. All projects that receive funding must be carried out in accordance with the EU rules governing public procurement and state aid.
How can Norwegian actors benefit from the EEA and Norway Grants in the period 2009–2014?
Norwegian actors may participate in various forms of project cooperation. The agreement encourages the development of partnerships between actors in the beneficiary states and the donor states. This will enable Norwegian actors to take part in putting the mechanisms into practice. It is the actors in the beneficiary states that are entitled to apply for funding for cooperation projects. There are good opportunities for cooperating with Norwegian experts in some of the priority sectors. When programme proposals are drawn up in the beneficiary states, close dialogue with competent Norwegian authorities is envisaged with a view to ensuring that priority is given to areas where we can make a difference and that are in keeping with Norwegian interests.
When will the new programmes be launched?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will now begin drawing up guidelines and rules for the implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants in the next five-year period, based on previous experience. When this has been done, Norway will conduct negotiations with the respective beneficiary states on which programmes are to be established. The programmes will be launched in 2011.
Where can I find more information about the EEA and Norway Grants 2009–2014?
High priority is given to access to information and transparency as regards the EEA and Norway Grants. All relevant information will be posted on the European Portal, which is the website for information about Norway’s cooperation with the rest of Europe, and on the official website of the EEA and Norway Grants.