Norwegian companies invited to take part in cooperation on green industry innovation in Estonia

Estonia and Norway will cooperate on green industry innovation. A separate programme for this purpose is being established through the EEA and Norway Grants, with a budget of close to NOK 50 million.

“The Norwegian business sector has a strong presence in Estonia as the fourth largest investor in the country. This is why we have given priority to projects in the area of green industry innovation,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Together with Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, Mr Støre signed an agreement in Oslo today on the allocation of EEA and Norway Grants to Estonia in the period leading up to 2014. The contribution is close to NOK 360 million (EUR 44.9 million).

“The results from the previous programme period were very good. The EEA and Norway Grants have been greeted with enthusiasm and inspired a great deal of activity among Norwegian partners as well. This has also strengthened the political dialogue and cooperation between Norway and Estonia,” said Mr Støre.

The objective of the EEA and Norway Grants is to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe. The funds are a contribution from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Norway is responsible for more than 95% of this amount.

The funds allocated to Estonia for the 2009–2014 programme period are to be distributed to a number of sectors. Some NOK 50 million is earmarked for green industry innovation and green entrepreneurship in cooperation with the Norwegian business sector. Health is another important area, where the focus will be on children and young people, prevention of infectious diseases and public health in general.

Other priority areas are the well-being of children and youth at risk, integrated management of marine and inland water resources, cultural heritage, and research and education. Norwegian partners are cooperating in programmes in all of these areas.

More information about the EEA and Norway Grants can be found at: www.europaportalen.no and www.eeagrants.org.