Maritime cluster - Photo:Kongsberg Maritime
Kongsberg Maritime

The EEA Grants in Greece

The EEA Grants represent the contribution of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein towards reducing economic and social disparities and strengthening bilateral relations with 15 EU countries, including Greece. A new agreement with Greece is now in place for the period leading up to 2031.

Working together for a green, democratic and resilient Europe

For more than three decades, Norway and Greece have worked together to reduce social and economic disparities and to strengthen bilateral cooperation through the EEA and Norway Grants. Guided by shared European values, this cooperation is firmly rooted in the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.

Thirty years after the signing of the EEA Agreement in 1994, significant achievements can be seen in economic growth and reduced disparities within the European Economic Area. However, gaps in economic development and living standards persist. Digital transformation, climate change, and geopolitical tension and conflict are reshaping Europe. Continued efforts and cooperation are essential to further reduce disparities, safeguard a strong and democratic Europe, and promote inclusive and resilient societies.

To reduce social and economic disparities and to strengthen cooperation with 15 EU Member States (Beneficiary States), Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway (Donor States), together with the European Union, have agreed to continue the EEA and Norway Grants for a fourth period, 2021–2028, with a total budget of €3.268 billion, divided between €1.805 billion for the EEA Grants and €1.463 billion for the Norway Grants.

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Accommodation facilities for vulnerable asylum seekers in Greece Photo: HumanRights360 & SOL Crowe

EEA Grants 2021 - 2028

In 2026, Norway and Greece signed a new agreement for a new funding period (2021-2028). The allocation to Greece is €159.3 million.

Under the EEA Grants, Norway and Greece will now cooperate in the areas of the green transition, innovation and business development, asylum and migration management, local development and civil society.

Approximately NOK 1.78 billion (EUR 159.3 million) has been allocated to Greece for the current period. Norway will provide around 94 % of that amount. The remainder will be provided by Iceland and Liechtenstein. The funding period formally ends in 2028, but project funds may be disbursed up to the end of April 2031.

The Norwegian programme partners are the Norwegian Environment Agency, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, the National Police Directorate, Innovation Norway and the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS). These partnerships serve to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Norway and Greece.

 

Factsheet: EEA Grants in Greece 2021 - 2028 (english) 

Factsheet: EEA Grants in Greece 2021 - 2028 (norsk) 

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.