Through the EEA and Norway Grants, the donor states have allocated EUR 72 million to a total of six programmes and funds. Priority will be given to green transition, crisis preparedness, innovation, and public health.
Civil society will also continue to be an important priority. The EEA Civil Society Fund will be operated by an independent Fund Operator selected in an open tender.
An earmarked contribution will address challenges experienced as a result of invasion of Ukraine.
The objective of the programme is to contribute to social and economic development in Estonia and to strengthen the cooperation between Estonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
The agreement was signed in Tallinn on 27 May 2025. Want to take a closer look at the signed agreements? You can find them here:
Memorandum of Understanding EEA Grants Estonia 2021-2028
Memorandum of Understanding Norway Grants Estonia 2021-2028
Estonia is an increasingly close friend and ally in Europe at a time when we are contending with complex challenges and geopolitical upheaval. This agreement will further strengthen the ties between our two countries in a number of important areas. Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide
Collaboration in green transition, crisis preparedness, innovation, and public health
Important achievements will be made possible thanks to the agreement between the three donor states and Estonia.
The parties agreed on a programme for accelerating the green transition towards a more sustainable society, with specific attention to enhanced biodiversity and stronger ecosystems. One project will research significant fish species in the Baltic Sea and analyze the optimal use of Estonia's fish resources to ensure sustainable fish stock management, address declining fish stocks, and adapt to societal and environmental demands.
Another focus of the cooperation will be public health. One of the agreed programmes will contribute to creating more resilient and inclusive public health systems in Estonia. The programme will further foster prevention and combating of domestic and gender-based violence in line with international and European human rights standards.
Improved disaster resilience, including disaster prevention and preparedness, and the advancement of Green ICT in Estonia are further important funding areas agreed between Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, and Estonia.
In previous periods, we have been able to implement numerous projects with Norway and EEA funding that otherwise would have had to wait much longer for their time. The support has made a significant contribution to the advancement of life in various regions of Estonia, and Norway’s participation only increases the value of the initiative. Jürgen Ligi
Estonian Minister of Finance Mr Jürgen Ligi and Norwegian State Secretary Ms Maria Varteressian.
Reinforced international cooperation
The agreement also foresees a continuation of close cooperation and exchange between entities in Estonia and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Three public agencies and institutions from from Norway are involved in the development and implementation of the programmes. They will play key roles in facilitating cooperation between partners in the Donor States and Estonia.
The OECD is involved in the Green Transition programme as an International Partner Organisation.
Together, we are not only contributing to social and economic development, but investing in a deeper partnership for growth and resilience—one that strengthens our ties as neighbours, as partners, and as friends. Harald Aspelund, Icelandic Ambassador to Estonia
Head of National Focal Point in Estonia Mr Urmo Merila and Ambassador of Iceland Mr Harald Aspelund.
Overview of programmes 2021-2028
Green Transition
€ 20,000,000
Programme Operator: Ministry of Climate
International Partner Organisation: OECD
Green ICT
€ 15,500,000
Programme Operator: Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
Donor Programme Partner: Innovation Norway
Public Health
€ 14,300,000
Programme Operator: Ministry of Social Affairs
Donor Programme Partner: Norwegian Directorate of Health
Crises Preparedness
€ 16,300,000
Programme Operator: Ministry of the Interior
Donor Programme Partner: Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection
In the months ahead the relevant Estonian and donor partners will develop the programmes Implementation of programmes and first open calls for project proposals are expected to start and to be announced in beginning of 2026.
The EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028
The EEA and Norway Grants are funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The Grants have two goals – to contribute to a more equal Europe, both socially and economically – and to strengthen the relations between Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, and the 15 Beneficiary States in Europe.
The EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028 will allocate €3.268 billion to support Europe’s green transition, democracy, and social resilience across 15 programme areas, fostering collaboration and innovation.