Today, Norway and Greece signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on new cooperation agreements under the EEA Grants total 116.7 billion euros. Job creation and business development will be a new and important priority area. The agreement also builds on experience gained in the field of asylum and migration.

'Greece is still the first stop for many migrants and refugees who are trying to reach Europe. European countries share a responsibility to find good solutions to this situation. It is therefore both important and right for Norway to continue its cooperation with Greece to deal with one of the greatest challenges Europe is currently facing', said Minister of EEA and EU Affairs Marit Berger Røsland.

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration is the Norwegian partner for the asylum programme, which will focus particularly on unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable groups. The European Wergeland Centre, which is based in Norway, is involved in a project on anti-discrimination and inclusion of refugee children in Greek schools.

Business development and innovation is a new and important priority area in the new agreement. Innovation Norway will play a central role here, for example by facilitating cooperation between small and medium-sized companies in Norway and Greece that are involved in green industry development, blue growth and ICT.

'Norway and Greece share many economic interests, particular in shipping and maritime industries. I am pleased that the EEA Grants can be used to strengthen the close ties between our two countries. The new agreement also provides excellent opportunities for Norwegian companies', said Ms. Berger Røsland.

Norway has played a part in reducing social and economic disparities in Greece through the EEA Grants since 1994. Poverty reduction and social inclusion of vulnerable groups are still core areas for our support today. Efforts to tackle poverty in Athens will continue during the new funding period.

In addition, Norway is contributing to anti-corruption measures and public sector reform through the EEA Grants.

Facts about the EEA and Norway Grants