2008/07/03: Facts About The EEA Grants And Norway Grants
The EEA Grants and the Norway Grants represent the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway towards European cohesion efforts. Over a five-year period until April 2009, the three EEA EFTA countries are making available €1.307 billion to reduce economic and social disparities in the enlarged EEA.
The EEA Grants and the Norway Grants were established in connection with the enlargement of the European Union in 2004. Ten new member states joined not only the EU, but also the European Economic Area (EEA), which brings together the EU and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway in the Internal Market. The accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union led to an additional enlargement of the EEA and of the EEA Grants in 2007.
Over a five-year period until April 2009, the three EEA EFTA countries are making available €1.307 billion to reduce economic and social disparities in the enlarged EEA. The Norway Grants are solely targeted at the new EU member states since 2004, while the EEA Grants also include the EU member states Portugal, Greece and Spain. Norway contributes with around 97 % of the funding.
A wide range of public authorities and institutions, organisations and businesses across Central and Southern Europe can apply for grants to realise projects in the public benefit. Organisations from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway can participate as project partners.
More than €1billion has been made available to applicants in the 15 beneficiary states. Of this amount, over €150 million have been channelled into a plurality of funds that have been established to connect with groups such as non-governmental organisations and students. With more than €80 million earmarked for NGOs through specific funds, Norway - as the largest donor – is turning into one of the primary supporters of civil society in Central Europe.
By 26 June 2008, the EEA EFTA states have approved 580 projects, programmes and funds amounting to close to €680 million in grants. Grants are available for projects within the priority sectors for protection of the environment, sustainable development, conservation of cultural heritage, health and childcare, Schengen and the judiciary, cross border activities and regional development, and academic research.