Results and Opportunities. Status Report 2011

Foreword

Through the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway participate in a single market together with the 27 EU member states, encompassing 500 million people.

There are significant disparities between European countries in terms of economic and social development.

Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are helping to bolster economic and social cohesion in Europe, and strengthen cooperation within the EEA, through the EEA and Norway Grants.

This report gives an insight into the wealth of activities that have been supported in the 15 beneficiary states. It sets the Grants in the context of needs and challenges in the countries concerned. It describes how these funds have made a difference to people’s lives and local communities, for example through improved environmental conditions, better access to healthcare, increased research cooperation, and support for civil society and minority groups.

Here you can read how Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the beneficiary states have all benefited from exchanges of skills and knowledge. The Grants provide a platform for sharing experience, for pooling ideas and resources across borders, and thus strengthening ties between donor states and beneficiary states.

The funding period for 2009–2014 is well underway. Almost EUR 1.8 billion has been allocated to targeted efforts in areas where there are demonstrable needs in the beneficiary states and where we, the donor states, can make a difference.

In shaping the new programmes, we have incorporated lessons learned from the previous period, and have improved the set-up to increase the Grants’ impact. We have also brought on board international organisations, such as the Council of Europe and Transparency International, and given greater responsibility to the beneficiary states.

We hope you will enjoy reading about the achievements so far and the opportunities ahead. We look forward to building on our results, and we will keep up our commitment to a more cohesive Europe.

Signed by the Foreign Ministers of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein