EØS-seminar 9. januar 2007

Åpning av statssekretær Rigmor Aasrud

Dear all,

I would like to welcome you all to this first meeting of the reference group for health related issues in the context of the EEA grants. I am glad that so many are interested in the Norwegian work on the EEA grants. I would also like to direct a special welcome to our Polish guest, Mr Chruciel, who will be our first speaker today. Mr. Chruciel will be followed by Mr. Per Sjaastad from the Ministry of Foreign affairs and Mrs. Sidsel Bleken from the Norwegian embassy in Warsaw.

Norway is through the EEA financial mechanisms contributing with almost 1 billion Norwegian kroner to the EU. The big bulk of these funds are allocated to the new EU Member States. The purpose of the Mechanisms is to reduce social and economic disparities in the enlarged EU and EEA.

This meeting is the first in this newly established reference group for health under the EEA grants. I hope it marks the beginning of a fruitful cooperation. We are establishing the group as part of the Norwegian health sectors’ involvement in the EEA grants. The aim is to strengthen our participation and establish new partnerships. I am convinced that everyone present here today may contribute in the development of the health sector in the beneficiary countries. Furthermore I believe we have a lot to learn from each other. I would also like to emphasise the important role Norwegian actors play in the development of partnerships between Norwegian partners and partner in the beneficiary states.

In a broader picture this contributes to strengthen the relationship between Norway and the new EU Member States. I sincerely hope that this group will give birth to new networks, new ideas and new projects.

As you understand English will be the language of the presentations today. However, you should feel free to ask any questions to the Norwegian speakers in Norwegian.

Let me now introduce our first speaker Mr. Chrusciel from the structural funds and aid programmes department in the Polish ministry of Health. Mr Chrusciel the floor is yours.