Book on Latvia, the EEA and Norway Grants 2004-2009

Through the EEA and Norway Grants, Norway, together with Iceland and Liechtenstein, is contributing to reducing social and economic disparities in the European Economic Area. This is an aim we share with the EU.  

In the period 2004–2009, EUR 53.7 million was allocated to 75 projects, programmes and funds in Latvia. Projects in a wide range of areas have benefited from this. Civil society, the judiciary, the environment, health and childcare are all sectors where Norway and Latvia have a common understanding of the importance of bringing about change – changes to the benefit of society.  

The EEA and Norway Grants allow for the exchange of expertise and know-how which is so important for enhancing the efficiency and quality of public and private sector service delivery.  

I have seen that through partnership and cooperation, challenges are turned into opportunities and achievements. This gives us an extra impetus to create Latvian-Norwegian partnerships. 

For the period 2009–2014, EUR 73 million has been allocated to Latvia, marking an increase from the previous period and demonstrating that Latvia is an important partner for us. Strengthening bilateral relations has also been introduced as a goal in the new agreement. 

Based on our experience from 2004–2009, I look forward to the new Norway and EEA Grants programme period with great expectations and optimism.