BRATISLAVA, October 26, (WEBNOVINY) — During the state visit of the Norwegian royal couple to Slovakia, Slovakia and Norway signed an agreement on the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, thanks to which EUR 80.75 million will flow into the country between 2009 and 2014. The funds are primarily designated for flood prevention, fight against climate changes, and carbon capture and storage. The priorities also include reduction of domestic violence, strengthening of civil society, improvement of social dialogue, scholarships and cross-border cooperation. The memorandums of cooperation that define the grants’ priorities for 2009 and 2014 were signed by Prime Minister Iveta Radicova and Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Jonas Gahr Store. In addition to the Kingdom of Norway, also Iceland and Liechtenstein are donors of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism.
The Slovak prime minister commented on this occasion that she very much appreciates the contribution of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein to reduction of economic and social gaps in the European Economic Area. She expressed joy over the fact that Slovakia is the first country out of fifteen beneficiaries which signs memorandums of cooperation, as it confirms the existence of intensive and excellent bilateral cooperation between Norway and Slovakia. The prime minister is convinced that the grants will contribute to formation of a number of ties between various players from the donor countries and from Slovakia and will contribute to improvement of the quality of life of its citizens. The head of Norwegian diplomacy stated in reaction that they welcome the signing of the agreement on such an exceptional occasion. “The agreements represent a unique opportunity to strengthen relations between Norway and Slovakia,” he said.
The new agreements allocate EUR 31 million for programs regarding climate change, carbon capture and storage, and green industry innovations. Minister Store added that this area is a priority for Norway and a lot of Norwegian institutions are able to offer their expertise as potential program partners. Furthermore, Norway is one of the largest supporters of civil society in the region. It has allocated over EUR 8 million for establishment of a new fund for non-governmental institutions. The mechanism will support programs aimed at the Roma population.
A new element for the 2009 and 2014 period is a Norwegian grant of EUR 424,000 for the Global Fund for Decent Work and Tripartite Dialogue between employers’ organizations, unions, and public institutions.
Between 2004 and 2009, Slovakia concluded contracts for 100 projects. Projects submitted by the public or the third sector are co-financed from the state budget in the volume of up to 15 percent, informed the Cabinet Office’s press department.
