EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms: Discussed Further Possibilities for Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation and Mobilising Support for Ukraine

Today the annual meeting of the Joint Committee of the Bilateral Cooperation Fund of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms took place in the Ministry of Finance, where further possibilities for strengthening bilateral cooperation and mobilising support for Ukrainian war refugees in Lithuania were discussed.

“I am delighted that the stage of investments from the European Economic Area and Norway to Lithuania pursues a successful communication and cooperation lasting a number of years. It is important that investments are not limited to financial grants, but the projects implemented through bilateral cooperation with donor states rely on and apply in their activities the good practice of the countries, thus contributing to creation of Lithuania’s prosperity”, said Director of the Investment Department of the Ministry of Finance Kotryna Tamoševičienė.

At the meeting, project promoters presented the progress in the implementation of projects. Strong emphasis was also placed on the issue of mobilising support for Ukrainian war refugees in Lithuania, which, since the beginning of the russian military invasion of Ukraine, has become the main priority of the Bilateral Cooperation Fund. For this purpose, over a period of more than one year, the Joint Committee allocated more than EUR 350,000.

The meeting was attended by the representatives from Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. Among the participants of the meeting — the Ambassador of Norway to the Republic of Lithuania Ole Terje Horpestad.

The third financing period of the European Economic Area and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms is now coming to an end, during which EUR 118 million has been allocated to Lithuania for implementation of various investment projects.

Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein for almost 20 years contribute to Lithuania’s progress and reduction of economic and social disparities, as well as support various national projects.

The European Economic Area (EEA) and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms constitute a contribution of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway to reducing economic and social disparities and strengthening bilateral relations with 15 EU countries in Central and South-Eastern Europe as well as with the Baltic states.

Last updated: 29-05-2023

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