Making a difference

Together the EEA Grants and the Norway Grants aim to make a difference in Central and Southern Europe, by contributing to the reduction of social and economic disparities and by enhancing bilateral relations between the beneficiary states and the donor states Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

The EEA and Norway Grants are the €1.3 billion contribution from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to the reduction of social and economic disparities within the European Economic Area (EEA). At the end of the five year period May 2004 – April 2009, grants have been awarded to more than 1200 projects, funds and programmes in 15 beneficiary states across Central and Southern Europe.

This status report highlights some of the most significant contributions and results so far. By way of illustration, the reader will learn how energy consumption is strongly reduced and renewable energy introduced in Polish schools and healthcare institutions and how NGO Funds supported by the EEA and Norway Grants provide vital support to a young and vulnerable civil society in Central Europe.

Finally, thousands of new contacts and a wide variety of networks have been established between the donor and beneficiary states at all levels of society.

Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway firmly believe in cooperation and solidarity within Europe. Through the EEA and Norway Grants, we are proud to be able to make our contribution to a more equal Europe.

Jonas Gahr Støre
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway

Össur Skarphéðinsson
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Iceland

Aurelia Frick
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Liechtenstein