Strengthening cooperation with the Czech Republic in important areas

'This MoU is a milestone in the already close relationship between Norway and the Czech Republic. It gives us the opportunity to further develop our existing cooperation and to exchange knowledge and skills in important areas of common interest,' said Minister of EEA and EU Affairs Frank Bakke-Jensen.

Research is an important priority in the MoU. The Research Council of Norway will play a key role together with the Technological Agency of the Czech Republic (TACR) in the implementation of the research programme. They will seek to make full use of, and further develop, ties with the business sector.

One key area of research under the the MoU is carbon capture and storage (CCS). Importance is also attached to climate and environmental measures, including measures to adapt to climate change and safeguard biodiversity. Culture is another crucial area for cooperation. This will include cultural exchanges and projects to promote Roma and Jewish cultural heritage. In the field of human rights, the focus will be on anti-discrimination efforts, domestic violence and inclusion of the Roma people.

A total of EUR 184.5 million, or around NOK 1.7 billion at today's exchange rate, has been distributed between 11 programmes:

• Research and education (EUR 30.0 million)
• Education (EUR 6.0 million)
• Social dialogue (EUR 0.89 million)
• Health (EUR 14.0 million)
• Climate change and environment (EUR 30.0 million)
• Culture (EUR 28.0 million)
• Good governance (EUR 5.0 million)
• Human rights, Roma inclusion, and domestic violence (EUR 19.0 million)
• Civil society (EUR 15.0 million)
• Correctional services and international police cooperation (EUR 11.0 million)
• Bilateral fund (EUR 3.69 million)

Eight Norwegian agencies are involved in the implementation of the programmes.

Facts about the EEA and Norway Grants

• Under the EEA Agreement, Norway is part of the European internal market.
• The EEA Agreement sets out the common goal of working together to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe and to strengthen cooperation between European countries. Norway contributes to this through the EEA and Norway Grants.
• EUR 2.8 billion will be available under the grant scheme for the period 2014-2021, to be distributed among 15 beneficiary countries. Norway provides some 98 % of this funding; the remainder is provided by Iceland and Liechtenstein.

See the fact sheet for an overview of the programmes that are to be implemented in the Czech Republic.