About

EEA and Norway Grants

The EEA and Norway Grants are the contribution from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to the reduction of social and economic disparities within the European Economic Area (EEA).

In the period 2004-2009, €1.23 billion in support was awarded to 1250 individual projects, programmes funds run by central and local governments, research and academic institutions, non-governmental organisations and businesses in the 12 new EU member states, Greece, Portugal and Spain. Norway provides around 97% of the total funding.

In December 2009, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway reached an agreement with the EU on financial contributions for the period 2009-2014. Frequently Asked Questions about the EEA and Norway Grants 2009-2014.

Values

Solidarity - reduce social and economic disparities in Europe.
Opportunity - support the new EU countries integrate into the European Economic Area.
Cooperation - strengthen political and economic ties between Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and the 15 beneficiary states.

Background

In 2004 Europe took a huge political leap when 10 new countries joined the EU and European Economic Area (EEA), which brings together Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the EU in the Internal Market. The EEA and Norway Grants were established to support social and economic development in the new member states.

The 10 new members from 2004, as well as Bulgaria and Romania who joined in 2007, had a GDP level below the EU average. Although grant schemes for the poorer regions of the European Economic Area (EEA) have existed ever since the EEA Agreement entered into force in 1994, the contribution increased 10-fold in response to the historic enlargement. Old member states Greece, Portugal and Spain are additional beneficiaries of the EEA Grants.