Estonia has now made NOK 183 million (about EUR 23 million) available for specific projects under the EEA financial mechanisms. The funds, which are mainly provided by Norway, will be used for projects in the fields of health, the environment and regional development.

“We are delighted that the EEA funds have now been made available in Estonia,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. “Estonia is a partner in the close Nordic-Baltic cooperation. We hope that these funds will strengthen cooperation between regional and local authorities and with cultural and educational institutions,” said Mr Støre.

It is possible to apply for support for projects in the following priority sectors: protection of the environment, promotion of sustainable development, conservation of European cultural heritage, human resource development, health and childcare, strengthening of the judiciary and implementation of the Schengen acquis, regional development and cross-border activities.

The aim of the EEA financial mechanisms is to reduce social and economic disparities in the ten new EU members plus Greece, Portugal and Spain. The funds are intended to enable the new EU states to fulfil their obligations in the EU and to strengthen contact at different levels between these countries and Norway.

More information about the EEA financial mechanism is available at the EEA grants homepage www.eeagrants.org and the European Portal homepage www.europaportalen.no.