Through the Grants, the donor countries have allocated EUR 68 million to a total of seven programmes and funds. Priority will be given to research and innovation.
Want to take a closer look at the signed agreements? You can find them here:
Memorandum of Understanding EEA Grants Estonia 2014-2021
Memorandum of Understanding Norway Grants Estonia 2014-2021
Continue the successful implementation of the Grants
Icelandic Ambassador to Estonia, Kristín A. Árnadóttir, signed the MoUs on behalf of Iceland:
"Iceland is proud of the work that has been done and the results that have been achieved from the EEA Grants in Estonia. We are deeply committed to improving social and economic well-being within Estonia and other EEA countries and feel confident that the successful implementation of the EEA Grants in Estonia will continue throughout the upcoming grant period."
An open invitation to cooperate across borders
"In line with the Norwegian Government’s priorities, nearly half the funds have been allocated to business and research. The cooperation agreements that will be signed today are an open invitation to Norwegian actors who are interested in taking part in creating a green, competitive and inclusive Europe," says Norwegian Minister of EEA and EU Affairs, Frank Bakke-Jensen. The Minister signed the MoUs on behalf of Norway in the Estonian capital earlier today.
A total of eight public agencies and institutions from the donor countries will be involved in implementing the programmes in Estonia. The agencies are responsible for recruiting partners from the donor countries to the projects.
"We are thus further strengthening our already close cooperation with Estonia. This also reflects our mutual interest in enhancing cooperation within the sectors covered by the agreements," says Minister Bakke-Jensen.
Overview of programmes
- Business Development and Innovation €23.0 million
- Donor programme partner: Innovation Norway
- Research and Education €7.1 million
- Donor programme partners: Research Council of Norway, DIKU – Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education, National Agency for International Affairs Liechtenstein (AIBA)
- Local Development and Poverty Reduction €18.0 million
- Donor programme partners: Norwegian Directorate of Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Directorate of Cultural Heritage of Norway
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation €6.0 million
- Donor programme partner: Norwegian Environment Agency
- Civil Society €4.0 million
- Social Dialogue – Decent Work €0.4 million
- Fund operator: Innovation Norway
- Bilateral Fund €1.36 million
- Reserve €2.06 million
The local development programme includes efforts relating to health, violence against women, children and young people, and cultural cooperation. Emphasis will be given to measures that support the Estonian authorities’ efforts to integrate the Russian-speaking minority.
In the months ahead, relevant agencies from the donor countries and Estonia will develop the programmes. The first open calls for project proposals will be announced at a later stage.
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. Estonia will receive EUR 68 million of this total.