EEA Grants
The EEA Financial Mechanism (EEA Grants) enables the EEA/EFTA States – Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway – to contribute financially to reducing economic and social disparities within the European Economic Area (EEA).
The mechanism aims to support economically weaker EU Member States while also strengthening bilateral relations. The success of the EU Single Market depends on the effective participation of all its Member States. Similar to the role of cohesion funding within the EU itself, this objective is pursued in the EEA through the Financial Mechanism.
The Blue Book provides the strategic framework for the use of funds and defines three key priorities:
• European Green Transition
• Democracy, rule of law, and human rights
• Social inclusion and resilience
During the period from 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2028, a total contribution of EUR 1.8 billion will be made available to the 15 Beneficiary States. This amount includes EUR 100 million dedicated specifically to projects related to Ukraine.
The EEA Financial Mechanism enables partnerships between Liechtenstein institutions and organisations in the Beneficiary States.
• The Beneficiary States are:
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Grece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia.
The EEA Financial Mechanism consists of several funds:
• Programmes
The programmes define the thematic priorities of the EEA Grants in which funding is allocated. They group together projects with similar objectives and ensure that funds are deployed in a targeted manner.
• Bilateral Fund
The Bilateral Fund supports initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with the Donor States. These initiatives may be implemented through participation in calls or through predefined projects.
• Civil Society Fund
The Civil Society Fund supports civil society organisations in Europe with the aim of strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights. It promotes active citizenship and helps reduce social inequalities while increasing participation in democratic processes.
Liechtenstein focuses on the following priority areas when implementing and delivering projects :
• Education
• Culture
• Digital Innovation
• Research