Foreign Minister Jan Petersen signs memorandum of understanding on EEA funds during visit to Czech Republic

Foreign Minister Jan Petersen will visit the Czech Republic on 18-19 October. The Foreign Minister will hold talks with Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda, Prime Minister Stanislav Gross, Vice-Chairperson of the Committee for Foreign Affairs Jan Kavan and former President Václav Havel. The agenda covers the bilateral and foreign policy co-operation between Norway and the Czech Republic, European policy, security policy issues and NATO co-operation as well as current foreign policy issues such as developments in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Middle East and the Balkans.

In addition to their political talks, Foreign Minister Svoboda and Foreign Minister Petersen will sign two agreements. One of these is a memorandum of understanding on the use of funds under the Norwegian Financial Mechanism established under the EEA Enlargement Agreement. The Czech Republic will receive approximately NOK 515 million over five years. The second is an agreement between Norway and the Czech Republic on the avoidance of double taxation.

In addition to the Norwegian Financial Mechanism a memorandum of understanding on the use of funds under the EEA Financial Mechanism will be signed in the near future. The mechanisms are a result of the EEA agreement having been extended in order to cover the 10 new EU member states. In total the Czech Republic will receive EUR 108.24 million, approximately NOK 890 million, from Norway over a five year period under these two financial mechanisms.

“The financial mechanisms will stimulate economic growth and reduce social disparities in Europe. Moreover, in this way Norway will contribute to the integration of the new member states in the internal market,” said Foreign Minister Jan Petersen. The funds will go to sectors such as the environment, justice and home affairs, cultural heritage protection, health and research. The private sector, public institutions and civil society actors can all apply for funds. The Czech Republic will be the third largest recipient of these funds, after Poland and Hungary.

“The financial mechanisms will also strengthen the economic and political ties between Norway and the Czech Republic, something the Czechs have expressed great interest in. This will create opportunities for Norwegian actors in fields where they have relevant expertise, experience and products. I hope the Norwegian business sector and others will pursue these opportunities actively,” said Mr Petersen.

The signing will take place on Tuesday 19 September at 14.00. Foreign Minister Svoboda and Foreign Minister Petersen will meet the press at 14.30.

Press contact: Deputy Director General Øystein Bø, mobile phone 90 52 08 54