The exhibition Our Stories. The EEA and Norway Grants, which highlight the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to the social and economic development of Europe, is displayed at the EU Parliament from 26 – 29 September. The photo exhibition features key projects and results from the current funding period and is hosted by MEP Christel Schaldemose in cooperation with the Mission of Norway to the European Union.
'We are proud of the Grants. They may appear modest but they are substantial. The EEA and Norway Grants complement EU funds and produce solid results in the Beneficiary States. The EEA and Norway Grants fund more than 6,000 projects. Thanks to these projects, know-how is shared, institutional capacity is strengthened, green house gas emissions are reduced, our environments are protected, and bilateral cooperation is strengthened,' says Anders Eide, Ambassador (Designate) of Norway to the EU.
Working together
Our Stories. The EEA and Norway Grants, showcases the impact of the more than 6,600 projects that have been made a reality through partnerships between people, businesses, and public institutions in the Donor and Beneficiary States. The projects that are exhibited at the European Parliament also contribute to strengthening bilateral relations across Europe. Find out more about our partnerships here.
A total of €2,8 billion have been allocated by the three Donors Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway in the current funding period.
Ragna Fidjestøl, Managing Director of the Financial Mechanism Office, the secretariat for the EEA and Norway Grants, is clear on what makes the #OurStories exhibition important:
‘The exhibition is a showcase of the inspiring stories behind the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants. Visitors can expect to see real-world examples of how these projects have made a difference in the beneficiary states, improving lives, protecting the environment and strengthening the ties between our countries. It's a testament to the impact of our collaborative efforts and the power of working together for a better Europe.’
Solidarity with Ukraine
One of the stories highlighted in the exhibition is the story of Svitlana Zaluznha and the TULA project. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the mother of three was forced to flee her home country with her family and relocate to Lithuania. Quickly seeing a need for integration of people displaced by the war, Svitlana got engaged in the Tula Project.
Supported by the EEA and Norway Grants, the TULA project aims to help Ukrainians displaced by the war in Lithuania with healing, reconciliation, and integration into a new environment. The goal is to rebuild people and families broken by the war, and to prepare them mentally for the return to Ukraine when the war ends. 'The story of our partnership is a story of trust, responsiveness, and determination. In spring 2022, the EEA and Norway Grants trusted us and our ideas. Thanks to the Grants and a recent round of refunding, we happily continue our work - and we’re committed to keep up the momentum with the same passion and creativity,' explains Svitlana.
Stories that matter
The exhibition also marks the start of #OurStories, a campaign telling the stories behind the programmes and projects that are supported through the EEA and Norway Grants. The projects showcase the objective of the Grants and their impact on the ground - helping make Europe greener, more democratic and inclusive.
Find out more about our projects here and the EEA and Norway Grants programmes here.