After a delay of more than a year, Norway and the EU have reached agreement on a financial contribution of close to NOK 15 billion for the period 2009–2014, for the Union's newest member states. (Photo: Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre)
- We are pleased that the new agreement on EEA financial mechanisms can finally be signed. This is a substantial contribution to reducing social and economic disparities in Europe, said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Norway will now enter into a dialogue with all the beneficiary states regarding the areas to be covered in the respective countries. It is natural that the various countries have different profiles and priorities. After agreement has been reached with the individual beneficiary states on allocation of funds in the various priority sectors, the next phase will be the rollout of the programmes. Calls for proposals and programme plans are expected to be issued beginning in 2011.
- The new EEA financial mechanisms give us a historic opportunity to strengthen our cooperation with the newest EU member states. Many of these countries are struggling with high unemployment and a difficult economic situation. It is in Norway’s interests to promote economic and social development in these countries, said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Norway will provide nearly NOK 3 billion (EUR 347 million) per year to reduce social and economic disparities and promote cooperation in Europe in the period 2009–2014. The EEA Grants will be available to the 12 most recent EU members plus Portugal, Greece and Spain.
- The funding from Norway is targeted at areas where we can make a difference and that are in line with Norwegian and European interests, said Mr Støre, and he encouraged Norwegian actors to become involved in projects with partners in beneficiary countries.
The funds are to be used to support projects in the fields of environmental protection and climate change, green industry innovation, health, research and scholarship, cultural heritage, decent work and civil society, and justice and home affairs. An important new element in the agreement is the focus on decent work and tripartite dialogue.
Agreement has also been reached with the EU on further improving market access for fish in the period 2009–2014. Norway and the EU signed a separate agreement on this.
(NRK/Press release)
After years of discussions, the Oslo City Council announced on Tuesday that it had reached a majority agreement to build a new Munch Museum in the Bjørvika harbour area in Eastern Oslo.
..
The Progress Party (FrP) held their National Congress this weekend, and discussed the party's main positions before this fall's election. They want to redefine "the Norwegian model". ..
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has presented its views on the Norwegian economy and Norwegian economic policy, and concludes that the Norwegian economy continues to perform well.(Photo: Finance Minister Sigbjørn Johnsen)..
Emmelie de Forest from Denmark won first place in the Eurovision Song Contest, and Norway's Margaret Berger ended up in fourth place...
Statoil has been accused of breaking the Competition Act, and the EU Commission's raid of the company's head office in Stavanger will go on for several days...
The government has decided to raise the ban from 2007 on collecting bonus points on domestic flights.
..
The Norwegian company Algeta has developed a drug against prostate cancer that has been approved by American authorities...
The Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry traveled to Silicon Valley to meet with Norwegian businesses and entrepeneurs who have established themselves in the U.S.'s "tech capital."
..
Secretary General of NATO, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, met with Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg in Oslo on Wednesday to discuss NATO's future and Norway's involvement in the Ocean Shield Operation.
..
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit last days in the U.S. were focused on tourism, innovation and technology.
..
