EEA Grants in Greece

The EEA Grants in Greece

The EEA Grants represent the contribution of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein to reducing economic and social disparities, and strengthening cooperation with 15 EU countries. The basis for the Grants is the EEA Agreement, signed in 1994.

In 2024, Norway and Greece celebrated 30 years of working together in the European Economic Area. This is one of the largest free trade markets in the world. Thanks to the EEA Agreement, Norwegians can come to Greece and Greeks can go to Norway to travel, work, and study without barriers. 

The same Agreement has opened up new avenues of cooperation between our two countries, with the EEA and Norway Grants as the most prominent one.  

The Grants represent Norway’s financial support to Greece and amounts to EUR 310,4 million over the last 30 years. The cooperation has focused on reducing social and economic inequalities, while strengthening our bilateral relations on the basis of shared values and goals.  

Here is what the EEA Grants have focused on: 

In 2025, Norway and Greece have entered into negotiations on the priorities for the next funding period, with an allocation of 159,3 EUR million to Greece. Our cooperation and joint journey will continue with the signing of the new Memorandum of Understanding, which will outline how our two countries will continue to work together towards a green, competitive, and inclusive Europe. 

30 Years–30 Images

An art installation titled “30 Years–30 Images” made its debut in Thessaloniki in November 2024 and travelled to Athens for the celebration of the 30 years of the Grants in Greece. The EEA installation can now be visited outside the metro station of Agia Paraskevi, in the northern part of Athens. 

Constructed from wood, metal, and other sustainable materials, this display features 30 photographs showcasing significant EEA Grants projects and lits with solar panels during the night. 

Summary of what has been achieved in Greece

The European Economic Area Agreement is a foundation of trust, openness, and joint responsibility. It connects our economies. But even more importantly, the EEA Agreement connects our common futures.

Greece - Funding period 2014-2021

Norway and Greece signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreeing to allocate EUR 116.7 million under the EEA Grants on 31 October 2017. Green business and innovation, together with asylum, migration, green energy and support to civil society are important priority areas.

Greece - Funding period 2009-2014

For the period 2009-2014, €63.4 million was allocated to Greece, up from €34.3 million granted during the previous five year funding period. Key areas of support were among others safeguarding the right to seek asylum and improving the reception conditions, particularly of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

Greece - Funding period 2004-2009

For the period 2004-2009, Greece was allocated € 34.3 million. Key areas of support were protection of the environment, conservation of cultural heritage, health and childcare.

Greece - Funding period 1999-2003

For the period 1999-2003, Greece was allocated € 22 million. The allocation covered three large-scale environmental projects. Two of the projects aimed at restoring the wetlands of Amvrakikos and of the Riparian Forest of Nestos Delta.

Greece - Funding period 1994-1998

Allocations covered fourteen projects related to the rehabilitation and conservation of Greek monasteries, as well as a large-scale marine monitoring project aimed at pollution reduction.