Helping to reduce social inequalities and promote green transition in Slovakia

The funding Norway provides to Slovakia under the Grants scheme is intended to support the green transition and improve the situation of the Roma, among other things. The cultural sector has been identified as an important area of cooperation, and priority will be given to promoting local sustainable development and restoration of Slovakian cultural heritage.

A total of NOK 130.7 million has been allocated to Slovakia. Norway will provide around 97 percent of that amount. The remainder will be provided by Iceland and Liechtenstein.

The aim of Norway’s funding under the EEA and Norway Grants scheme is to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe. In addition, the scheme helps to enhance cooperation between Norway and the beneficiary states. Fifteen countries qualify to receive funding under the EEA and Norway Grants scheme. The agreement with Slovakia is the third agreement for the new funding period to be signed. Agreements have also been entered into with Poland and Estonia.

Norwegian Ambassador to Slovakia Susan Eckey signed the agreement on behalf of Norway in Trenčín, Slovakia today.

Fund to strengthen rule of law, democracy and human rights

Support under the EEA and Norway Grants scheme also includes the establishment of a separate fund to support civil society in Slovakia. This funding is to be administered independently of the Slovakian authorities. The fund will give priority to supporting efforts relating to human rights, anti-discrimination, democracy, gender equality, environmental protection, climate action and the green transition, among others.

The fund operator will be an independent partner with wide-ranging experience of managing funding under the EEA and Norway Grants.

‘Organisations working to strengthen the rule of law, democracy and human rights play an important role in promoting fundamental values in Slovakia. I am pleased that we are able to contribute to their efforts through the EEA and Norway Grants,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.  

• Factsheet about EEA and Norway Grants in Slovakia (PDF)