EEA and Norway Grants in Croatia
For the period 2021 to 2028, Croatia will have at its disposal 133.1 million euros to support projects that contribute to a greener, more democratic, and more resilient Europe. This represents an increase of 30 million euros compared to the previous funding period.
The agreements concerning funding through the EEA and Norway Grants until 2031 were signed in Zagreb on 23 September 2025. The funds are distributed across five sectors, contributing to three overarching objectives: the European green transition; democracy, rule of law and human rights; and social inclusion and resilience. The overall aim of the Grants is to reduce economic and social disparities within the European Economic Area and to strengthen bilateral relations with the recipient states.
Programme areas
Strengthening bilateral cooperation is a central objective of the Grants, with approximately 2.45 million euros earmarked exclusively for this purpose. Partnerships will also be fostered throughout programme implementation. Four Norwegian government agencies and public institutions, specialising in business, energy, justice and education, will work alongside their Croatian counterparts. The Norwegian programme partners will contribute to programme development, support implementation, and help reinforce the ties between Norway and Croatia. Overall responsibility for programme management rests with the Croatian Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds.
An important part of Norway’s contribution to recipient countries is support for civil society. The Civil Society Fund reflects this commitment and demonstrates the donors’ enduring dedication to democratic values. It represents more than financial support; it is a strategic investment in Europe’s democratic future and the protection of human rights. Civil society funds, amounting to 12 million euros, are allocated in addition to those specified in the Memorandum of Understanding and are managed by an independent Fund Operator selected through a competitive procedure.
The next steps
Before the funds become available to Croatian stakeholders, concept notes will be drafted to define in greater detail the content of each programme. The funds will be available until 2031.
Facts about the Grants
The EEA and Norway Grants are rooted in the EEA Agreement which makes Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway part of the internal European market. Before these countries the EEA agreement sets a common goal for working together for decreasing social and economic disparities in the EU and strengthening cooperation between European countries.
To reach these objectives a total of €3.268 billion has been allocated to 15 European countries for the period 2021 - 2028. Norway secures almost 98 percent of the funds.
In response to the challenges arising from the invasion of Ukraine, the two funding mechanisms will allocate a total of €183 million (€100 million from the EEA Grants and €83 million from the Norway Grants). These funds will be used to support projects that address identified needs in Beneficiary States and will be implemented across various programme areas and funds.
To take part in the EEA and Norway Grants, Croatia became eligible in 2013 after joining the EU and becoming the signature the EEA agreement. This is the second programming cycle Croatia partakes since then and in the previous period 2009-2014 Croatia received the support of 9.6 million euros in total.
More about Norwegian partner institutions
Innovation Norway is the Norwegian Government's most important instrument for innovation and development of Norwegian enterprises and industry. It supports companies in developing their competitive advantage and to enhance innovation. It will support Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovation and Investments (HAMAG-BICRO) in implementation of Business programme.
Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-DIR) will collaborate with the Ministry of Regional development in supporting local development. It is the executive agency for the Ministry of Education and Research within the higher education and higher vocational education sectors and are responsible for the national skills policy.
Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) will join forces with Ministry of Regional Development and EU funds in implementing programe on Gren Transition. NVE ensures environmentally sound management of Norway’s water resources, promotes efficient energy markets and cost-effective energy systems and contributes to efficient energy use. The directorate plays a central role in the national flood contingency planning and bears overall responsibility for maintaining national power supplies. From 2009 NVE is assigned greater responsibility for the prevention of damage caused by landslides.
Norwegian Court Administration and Croatian Ministry of Justice will work on improving effectiveness of the judicial system. The Norwegian Courts Administration (NCA) administers the ordinary courts and the land consolidation courts. It provides support necessary for judges and staff to carry out their roles and to deliver justice efficiently and effectively. The NCA covers a steering role as well as carrying out the administrative and support for the courts. The NCA also holds a superior employer function and works to increase public confidence in the courts.
