2010

Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are concluding the review of comments from the beneficiary states on the regulations for the 2009-14 funding period. The regulations are planned to be adopted early 2011.

Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and the 15 beneficiary states of the EEA and Norway Grants 2009-14 are well underway in defining the national priorities.

Draft guidelines for NGO programmes under the EEA and Norway Grants 2009-14 are now available for comments. Civil society representatives are encouraged to provide their views on the guideline through our web-based NGO consultation.

Norway and Slovakia have today signed agreements for the EEA Grants and Norway Grants totalling €80.75 million. Flood protection, climate change, supporting civil society and combating domestic violence are among the priorities.

On 29 September 2010, an agreement was reached between Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Greece on the use of funds available through the EEA Grants 2009-14. Asylum policy is a key priority for the grant scheme and to this aim 30% will be earmarked over the next five-year period.

Today, 16 September 2010, the donor states and the beneficiary states of the EEA and Norway Grants marked their commitment to good governance and zero-tolerance towards corruption and mismanagement in the implementation of the grant schemes.

On 15 and 16 September, a workshop with the title "How to Reduce Corruption Risks in Grant Management" will be organised in Berlin in cooperation with Transparency International.

Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein will strengthen their support to civil society in Central and Southern Europe through the EEA and Norway Grants 2009-14. Civil society representatives are encouraged to provide their input on the NGO funding through an online consultation exercise.

Environment, climate change and civil society are priorities when Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein present the EEA and Norway Grants 2009-14 and launch negotiations with the beneficiary states on priorities in each country.

Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the EU today signed the agreements for the EEA and Norway Grants 2009-14, after the EU member states agreed on the final distribution for the beneficiary countries.

On 7-8 June, an international conference on gender equality was held in Oslo to share and prepare for the new EEA and Norway Grants period 2009-14. The Norwegian Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion highlighted gender equality as a key element of economic development and democracy.

Environmental protection, fighting climate change and promoting green industry are green priorities under the EEA and Norway Grants 2009-14. Sustainable development will be a key cross-cutting criterion.

With support from the Polish Cultural Exchange Fund of the EEA and Norway Grants, the Polish Association of the Blind participates actively in the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth.

The Norway Grants 2009-14 will launch a new fund for promoting decent work and tripartite dialogue. The Norwegian Institute for Labour and Social Research (FAFO) has conducted a study to assess which criteria such a fund should be based upon.

On 18 December 2009, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway agreed with the European Union on new financial contributions for the period 2009-14. This article presents a brief overview of beneficiary states, priority sectors and financial contributions.