Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, donor countries of the EEA Grants Financial Mechanism 2014 – 2021, announce the allocation of a reserve funding of EUR 6,146,115 to further supporting renewable energy technologies and water management, empowering Roma communities and strengthening civil society in Greece.
More specifically, the reserve funding will be allocated as follows:
- The programme "Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency", managed by the CRES, the Center for Renewable Energy Sources, receives an additional grant of 2.5 million euros, which will be channeled to upgrades of energy infrastructure in public buildings such as schools, municipal buildings, and waste management facilities.
- The programme "Water Management" managed by the Executive Authority – Sector Environment of the Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy, receives an additional grant of 1.2 million euros, which will be allocated to sustainable water management.
- The programme "Roma Inclusion and Empowerment", managed by the Executive Authority – Sector of Employment and Social Economy of the Hellenic Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, receives an additional grant of 500,000 euros, which will be channeled towards support and empowerment of the Roma settlement of Katerini, northern Greece.
- The "Active Citizens Fund" programme managed by Bodossaki Foundation and SolidarityNow, receives an additional grant of 1,446,115 euros, which will be allocated to strengthening of the Greek civil society.
- The programme "Local Development and Poverty Reduction" managed by SOL Crowe and HumanRights360, receives an additional grant of 500,000 euros, which will be allocated to the Athens Solidarity Center.
Following the decisions of the donor countries, Mr Frode Overland Andersen, Norwegian Ambassador to Greece, stated:
« The additional financial allocations announced today will enhance the impact of the EEA Grants on sectors that are crucial to Greece’s economy, such as energy renewables and efficient management of the water resources. We will also continue to support civil society, vulnerable individuals and the fight against poverty and exclusion. On behalf of the donor countries of the EEA Grants, I would like to thank the national authorities for the efficient management of the programmes and for our cooperation».
Mr D. Skalkos, Secretary General for Public Investments and NSRF, stated: «We welcome the allocation of the reserve to programmes that are important for the Greek society and economy, such as programmes for the environment and the empowerment of the Roma. This development confirms the trust between Greece and the donor countries, the common belief that we work together for the successful implementation of our goals and values, as well as the effective management by the Greek management services».
Representing the Hellenic Ministry of Environment, Prof. K. Aravossis, Secretary General of Natural Environment & Water, highlights: “Through the Water Management Programme, our Ministry faces challenges related to a vital and valuable resource, water, with the strategic goal of protecting the aquatic environment and the rational and sustainable management and utilization of our valuable water resources. The additional funding comes to strengthen the effective effort of the programme manager to achieve our goal and cooperation between donor countries and Greece on critical issues, such as sustainable water management”.
Representing the Hellenic Ministry of Labour Mr. G. Stamatis, Secretary General for Social Solidarity and Poverty Reduction, says “Experience has shown that nothing can be achieved for the Roma without the Roma. We are particularly pleased that the donor countries objectives are in line with the vision of the new National Strategy for the Social Inclusion of the Roma 2021-2030. The Roma Empowerment Programme will contribute significantly to the achievement of the objectives of the new National Strategy both in the field of housing, promoting social housing standards, and in the encouragement of participation and inclusion of the Roma communities at regional and local level».
Mr. S. Economou, President of the Board of CRES, states: «The social nature of the energy efficiency projects to be supported by the EEA Grants ensures the maximization of their impact for a large number of citizens who enjoy public services. We are making public buildings and infrastructure less energy intensive, thus contributing significantly to the goal of a climate-neutral Europe by 2050».
Mr S. Laganopoulos, Programme Director of the Active Citizens Fund Greece, highlights: “The additional amount of EUR 1 446 115 allocated to the Active citizens fund Greece will greatly contribute to the objectives of the programme, further strengthen the sustainability and capacity of the civil society sector, promote human rights and safeguard democratic procedures. We are grateful to the Donor States for their commitment in supporting the Greek civil society”.
Mr H. Faltsetas, Deputy Director of the Local Development and Poverty Reduction programme for Greece, said “We are very pleased with the continuation of the funding of the Athens Solidarity Centre, funded under the EEA Grants with very satisfactory results. This new funding is aiding to really make an impact by continuously providing services to the most vulnerable people in Athens, on the one part, and addressing more effectively and efficiently poverty and inequality, contributing to the overall objective of strengthening social and economic cohesion, on the other part. We would like to thank the donor countries for the continuation of funding, particularly at a time like this and we would like to ensure that we will do our best as Fund Operator to maximize the use of funds and the results of the programme”.
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