Under the agreement, which was signed today in Lisbon, EUR 102.7 million has been allocated to six programmes and funds. A substantial part of this funding is earmarked for efforts to promote blue and green growth.
Want to see what's in the agreement? You'll find it here:
Memorandum of Understanding EEA Grants Portugal 2014-2021
"Ocean-based businesses are an important driver of the economy in both Norway and Portugal. Our two countries already cooperate closely, but with this new agreement, we are now seeking to further strengthen our cooperation," says Norwegian Minister of EEA and EU Affairs Frank Bakke-Jensen.
Significant opportunities for cooperation
A total of six public agencies and institutions from the donor countries will play a key role in facilitating cooperation between partners in the three donor countries and Portugal. Over the next few months, these agencies will work with their Portuguese counterparts to develop the programmes. Open calls for project proposals will be announced at a later stage.
"It is not only Norwegian companies and research institutions that can enter into cooperation projects. The grant scheme also offers significant opportunities for local authorities, NGOs and the cultural sector. Anyone who would like to take part in creating a green, competitive and inclusive Europe is welcome to participate," says Minister Bakke-Jensen.
Overview of programmes
- Blue Growth Innovation and SMEs €38.0 million
- Donor programme partners: Innovation Norway, Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNIS), Research Council of Norway, DIKU – Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education
- Work-life Balance and Gender Equality €6.0 million
- Donor programme partner: Norwegian Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud
- Environment, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy €24.0 million
- Donor programme partner: Innovation Norway
- Cultural Entrepreneurship, Cultural Heritage and Cultural Cooperation €9.0 million
- Donor programme partner: Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage
- Civil Society €11.0 million
- Bilateral Fund €2.05 million
- Reserve €3.4 million
About the EEA and Norway Grants
Under the EEA Agreement, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are part of the European internal market. The EEA Agreement sets out the common goal of working together to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe and strengthen cooperation between European countries. Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway contribute to this through the EEA and Norway Grants. For the period 2014-2021, a total contribution of EUR 2.8 billion has been agreed. Portugal will receive EUR 102.7 million of this total.