Norway signs agreement with Latvia on EEA and Norway Grants

The funding Norway provides to Latvia under the Grants scheme is intended to support social and economic development in Latvia and to strengthen cooperation between Norway and Latvia. The agreement was signed in Riga. 

A total of EUR 109,5 million has been allocated to Latvia in the coming period. Norway will provide around 97 % of that amount. The remainder will be provided by Iceland and Liechtenstein.

'Latvia is a close friend and ally in Europe, and our relationship is growing closer in a time of complex challenges and geopolitical upheavals. With this agreement, we are strengthening the ties between our two countries in key areas,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Through these funds, Norway will contribute to strengthening Latvia’s preparedness, including through the construction and rehabilitation of shelters and by enhancing information security. Norway will also give priority to the development and commercialisation of green technology. Efforts in correctional services will continue, including improving prison conditions for female inmates and supporting the rehabilitation of young people struggling with substance abuse.

The Directorate for Civil Protection, Innovation Norway, the Norwegian Correctional Service and The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities are involved as partners in implementing the programmes.

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. Agreements are drawn up for each beneficiary country that set out a portfolio of programmes to be implemented and specify the partners that will cooperate on programme implementation.

Support for civil society

In addition to the individual agreements with each beneficiary state, a separate fund has been set up to support civil society in the beneficiary states. This funding is administered independently of the authorities in each individual country.