TALLINN, Estonia (CHATNEWSTV) — Norway and Estonia on Tuesday signed a new agreement under the EEA and Norway Grants framework, unlocking €71.8 million in funding to support economic and social development and deepen bilateral cooperation.
The agreement, signed in Tallinn, marks the second deal concluded for the 2021–2028 funding period. Norway will contribute approximately 97% of the allocated amount, with the remainder provided by Iceland and Liechtenstein.
“Estonia is an increasingly close friend and ally in Europe at a time when we are contending with complex challenges and geopolitical upheaval,” said Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. “This agreement will further strengthen the ties between our two countries in a number of important areas.”
Estonia’s Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi signed on behalf of Estonia, while State Secretary Maria Varteressian represented Norway. Iceland and Liechtenstein also signed the trilateral agreement.
The funding will focus on key priority areas, including the green transition, crisis preparedness, health, and sustainable business development. According to officials, part of the funds will go toward developing infrastructure—both physical and digital—aimed at protecting Estonia’s cultural heritage during emergencies.
Three Norwegian agencies—Innovation Norway, the Directorate of Health, and the Directorate for Civil Protection—will serve as programme partners, tasked with boosting collaboration in areas such as civil protection, genetic medicine, energy efficiency, and circular economy.
“I am pleased that the agreement with Estonia is in place, and we look forward to continuing our close cooperation,” Eide added.
The EEA and Norway Grants aim to reduce social and economic disparities across Europe and enhance cooperation between donor and beneficiary countries. A total of 15 EU member states, primarily in Central and Southern Europe, qualify for funding under the scheme.
Beyond individual bilateral agreements, the Grants include a separate civil society fund—administered independently from national governments—worth over €300 million. An additional €183 million has been earmarked to help beneficiary states address the consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are jointly providing €3.268 billion in the current funding period, with Norway covering the vast majority of the contributions.
The first agreement under the current period was signed with Poland in April.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
