Cooperation for cohesion

Through the EEA and Norway Grants, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway make a substantial contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area. In the period 2004-2009, grants were awarded to 1250 individual projects, programmes and funds in 15 beneficiary states across Central and Southern Europe.  

The EEA and Norway Grants also aim at strengthening the relations between the donor states and the beneficiary states. Since the financial mechanisms were established in 2004, bilateral relations have been developed and broadened. More than one in five of the supported projects have partners in the donor states, mainly in Norway. 

Given the importance of pooling ideas and resources at local, national or international level, this year’s Status Report focuses on cooperation. In the report you can read about how the EEA and Norway Grants turn borders into bridges and bring people together, whether through partnership projects, student exchanges, research networks, or through NGO initiatives promoting human rights and social inclusion.  

Over the new period 2009-2014, the EEA and Norway Grants will focus on important areas such as environmental protection and climate change, social dialogue, civil society, health, research and the judiciary. This underpins our commitment to economic and social development and a more equal and integrated Europe. 

Össur Skarphéðinsson
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Iceland 

Dr. Aurelia Frick
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Liechtenstein 

Jonas Gahr Støre
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway