EEA and Norway Grants Status report 2021

Foreword

Europe is facing challenges of a magnitude not seen in decades. Russia’s ongoing invasion in Ukraine has changed the security situation in Europe, and millions of people have been forced to seek refuge in other European countries. The European values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law are coming under increasing pressure. And while the COVID-19 pandemic is loosening its grip on Europe, the global climate crisis is an ever increasing concern that requires dedicated action.

The EEA and Norway Grants have a role to play in this context. The purpose of the Grants is to reduce social and economic disparities in the European Economic Area, and to strengthen and safeguard our European values. The Grants foster bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas and are an important tool for bringing our countries closer together.

This Status Report provides an overview of the activities carried out under the EEA and Norway Grants up until the end of 2021. It shows the results that have been achieved, it presents facts and figures relating to disbursement rates in each country, and gives us snapshots of projects. The report highlights the benefits of our collaborative efforts, and provides insight into how Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are working together to promote a greener, more competitive and more inclusive Europe.

At the end of 2021, all 97 programmes were under full implementation, contracts for more than 4 000 projects had been signed with more to follow in the years to come. Some 630 companies had received support and more than 1 700 jobs had been created. A vibrant civil society is essential to building and sustaining a sound democracy. The EEA and Norway Grants have always provided substantial support to civil society and more than €210 million have been allocated to our Active Citizens Fund. These are a few examples of the results achieved so far. With many projects just starting, and implementation running until 2024, we are looking forward to seeing many more results in coming years.

Due to the situation in Ukraine, we must also focus our efforts on the challenges arising from the war. While we will continue to give priority to the implementation of projects and delivery of results, activities will also be targeted towards mitigating some of the effects of the war in Ukraine. In particular, this will involve increasing flexibility with regard to the use of the EEA and Norway Grants to help Ukrainian refugees in the Beneficiary States.

Cooperation under the EEA and Norway Grants is invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the years to come!