The year 2024 brings a unique conclusion for Poland: the end of the third edition of the Norwegian and EEA Funds, preparations for the fourth edition and the 20th anniversary of these financial mechanisms and Poland's membership of the European Union. These are not just symbolic moments but, above all, real benefits for the people and economy of our country.

The third edition of the Norwegian and EEA Funds is a success story achieved despite numerous challenges. With the largest budget among the 15 beneficiary countries at around PLN 3.5 billion (EUR 809.3 million), we have implemented almost 1,800 projects. Among other things, we have increased the competitiveness of Polish enterprises and raised the quality of life for the inhabitants of medium-sized and small towns. Support for researchers and educational institutions has contributed to the development of scientific research, the modernisation of the educational offer and the strengthening of international cooperation in this area,

 said Deputy Minister Konrad Wojnarowski.

Under the 3rd edition of the Norwegian and EEA Funds, 50 calls for proposals were announced in 13 programmes. Predefined projects, i.e. projects whose implementation was enshrined in programme documents, were also implemented.

20 Years of Success – from Infrastructure to Sustainability

The Norwegian and EEA Funds are support that changes Poland for the better. The 13 programmes in this edition included projects in areas such as research, environmental protection, local development, entrepreneurship and innovation, culture, health, civil society, justice, education, internal affairs, bilateral cooperation, social dialogue and decent work.

These mechanisms have allowed us not only to reduce socio-economic differences, but also to build unique relationships with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. We are like a jigsaw puzzle that fits together – each piece of our cooperation forms a coherent and effective whole,

said Deputy Minister Konrad Wojnarowski.

Partnerships between Poland and donor countries go beyond financial support. The collaboration enabled partners from different countries to work together to meet the challenges. From improving energy efficiency and investing in renewables to sustainable development, reducing social inequalities in health and tackling digital crime, the collaboration has produced results that benefit all parties involved,

added the Deputy Minister.

Norway’s support through the EEA Norway Grants is one of our key investments in Europe’s future. It is a tangible expression of our belief in cohesion, social justice and the power of civil society. In Poland we have for twenty years worked together to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe. Thousands of projects have been carried out to building capacities and to fostering lasting Polish-Norwegian relations, partnerships and friendships,

said Maria Varteressian, Norwegian State Secretary for Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Iceland places a high value on its close partnership with Norway and Liechtenstein, as together we strive to provide vital resources and tools to strengthen cooperation with Poland through the EEA Grants. These grants, along with the framework for bilateral cooperation between Poland and Iceland, have paved the way for remarkable achievements

said Icelandic Ambassador to Poland Friðrik Jónsson.

The EEA Grants underline Liechtenstein’s strong commitment to the Single Market, which, as late Jacques Delors always insisted, goes hand in hand with European solidarity and fostering social and economic cohesion within the European Economic Area. For more than 20 years many meaningful projects could be realized that bring Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Poland closer together with the overall goal to reduce economic and social disparities within the EEA and to strengthen our bilateral ties

said Alina Brunhart, First Secretary, Representation of Liechtenstein in Brussels in Warsaw.

Bilateral Cooperation – Foundation for Joint Achievements

Bilateral cooperation was one of the key elements of this extremely demanding edition.

One of the main objectives of the Norwegian and EEA Funds is to strengthen relations between Poland and the Donor States. Over the past years, we have built a solid foundation based on mutual trust, shared values and effective cooperation,

emphasised Deputy Minister Konrad Wojnarowski.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine posed many challenges. By responding flexibly and quickly to needs, the Norwegian and EEA Funds have supported hospitals, refugee assistance and educational and medical projects among other things. In response to the floods in southern Poland, these funds were also earmarked to counteract their effects. Approximately PLN 8.5 million has been spent to help affected families and secure access to healthcare in the region.

Optimistic Future

2024 and 2025 offer time to prepare for the new perspective of the Financial Mechanisms. Negotiations between the European Commission and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway were concluded in December 2023, and the Memorandum of Understanding, i.e. the international agreement between Poland and the three countries, for the fourth edition is expected to be signed in the first half of 2025.

Norwegian and EEA Funds

The Norwegian Financial Mechanism and the Financial Mechanism for the European Economic Area, i.e. Norwegian and EEA Funds, are a form of non-repayable foreign aid granted by Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein to several Central and Southern European countries and the Baltic States. Their main objective is to bridge economic and social disparities and strengthen bilateral relations between donor and beneficiary countries.

More information about the Norwegian and EEA Funds and completed projects is available at: eog.gov.pl.