EEA and Norway Grants Status report 2023

Foreword

Europe is facing enormous challenges. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is in its third year and the humanitarian consequences are devastating. The war in Ukraine is the greatest threat to European security and prosperity today. We will stand by and support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

In addition, we are contending with the accelerated pace of climate change and environmental degradation. At the same time, we must not lose sight of other key issues for Europe: the importance of social inclusion, poverty reduction and the transition to a sustainable climate-neutral economy. We must also continue our efforts to strengthen relations across borders, develop competence and innovation, and safeguard good governance, respect for human rights and a rules-based international order. This is the best way to build thriving, peaceful societies and the best way to prevent conflict and war.

The EEA and Norway Grants have a key role to play in this context. With support provided under the Grants scheme, we are helping to defend the fundamental values of democracy, good governance and the rule of law. Today, the EEA and Norway Grants are the largest single source of funding for civil society organisations working to promote these values in the beneficiary states. Increasing social inclusion and countering disinformation are part of these efforts. Considerable emphasis is also placed on strengthening bilateral relationships and cooperation between countries in Europe. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, there is also a strong focus on solidarity. The EEA and Norway Grants are about standing together when it really matters. Based on the strong bilateral relationships that have been built over the years, we have provided extra resources under the scheme to help countries that have taken in Ukrainian refugees. Among other things, we have supported efforts to provide access to primary healthcare and trauma counselling, settle children into new schools and integrate families into host communities.

The current funding period for the EEA and Norway Grants is nearing its end. The focus is now on closing all 97 programmes, and on harnessing the results achieved. As this report sets out, some 1 056 companies and 4 115 researchers have received support during this funding period, and more than 52 000 people have been reached by civil society campaigns related to democracy and human rights. The project stories presented in the report highlight some of the impacts the Grants have had on people and communities.

An agreement has now been reached with the EU Commission on a new funding period for the EEA and Norway Grants for 2021–2028. The dual aim of the EEA and Norway Grants remains unchanged: to reduce social and economic disparities and to strengthen bilateral relations. In light of the ongoing war in Europe, the ever-increasing pressure on our democracies, and the continued threat of climate change and environmental degradation, the next funding period will give priority to the green transition, democracy and human rights, social inclusion and resilience.

Social and economic development for all is key to achieving peaceful and prosperous societies, and to preventing conflict and war. We look forward to continuing to support our partners under the EEA and Norway Grants scheme and to working together to build a peaceful and prosperous Europe for all.

Espen Barth Eide Minister of Foreign Affairs Norway

Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir Minister of Foreign Affairs Iceland

Dominique Hasler Minister of Foreign Affairs Liechtenstein