Strong results after seven years of EEA cooperation

The end of April marked the conclusion of our work on the EEA and Norway Grants for the 2014–2021 funding period, with projects continuing until spring 2025. The programme has played an important role in reducing economic and social disparities in Europe while strengthening cooperation between Norway and several European countries.

During this period, we managed funding schemes with a total budget of more than EUR 189 million, representing a project value of over NOK 4 billion. More than 800 projects received funding, around 350 of which involved Norwegian partners. The results have been impressive: many new jobs have been created, CO2 emissions have been reduced and many new solutions have been adopted. In addition, many Norwegian companies have gained valuable experience of international collaboration.

'Through the EEA and Norway Grants, Norwegian companies have gained unique opportunities to collaborate internationally, build expertise and contribute to sustainable solutions in Europe. The Grants have not only strengthened the beneficiary countries, but also provided Norwegian companies with an important gateway to Europe,' says our CEO, Håkon Haugli.

Strong results

We have delivered major business projects in Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia and Romania, as well as an energy programme in Romania. We have also led the Social Dialogue and Decent Work programme in 12 countries. In addition, we have partnered in programmes in Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia and Portugal.

‘The results from this programme period speak for themselves: almost 1,000 new jobs, hundreds of innovative solutions and significant environmental benefits across Europe,’ says Haugli.

Some key figures from the results are:

• Bulgaria: 53 new solutions developed, 48 patent applications and 188 new jobs.
• Greece: 28 new solutions developed, 9 innovative technologies adopted, 152 jobs created and an annual reduction of 46,000 tonnes in CO2 emissions. Croatia: 63 supported projects have increased turnover by 115%, created 366 new jobs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 40,000 tonnes.
• Romania: 58 new solutions developed, 30 patent applications filed, 284 new jobs created, and an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of 30,000 tonnes.

The EEA Grants have made a major contribution to the green transition and strengthened the competitiveness of both European and Norwegian businesses. A new period of exciting opportunities now lies ahead. The agreement with Poland was recently signed, the first in a series of agreements to be concluded with each partner country in the months ahead.

‘The results from the previous programme period show how important international cooperation through the EEA and Norway Grants has been. We look forward to building on this work and continuing to create green innovation and sustainable growth together with our European partners,’ says Håkon Haugli.