New Memoranda pave the way for €50 million in investments in local development and public health

The Memoranda were signed by His Excellency Vegard Kaale, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, Her Excellency Helga Hauksdóttir, Ambassador of Iceland, representing the Donor States, i.e., the Kingdom of Norway, the Principality of Liechtenstein, and Iceland, and Dr Aleksander Jevšek, Minister for Cohesion and Regional Development, on behalf of the Republic of Slovenia.   

The overall objectives of the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism are to contribute to the reduction of economic and social disparities in Europe and to strengthen bilateral relations between the Donor States and the Beneficiary States.

On this occasion, Minister Jevšek emphasised that the signing of the Memoranda confirmed a strong partnership founded on common European values, mutual trust, and a common responsibility for Europe’s sustainable and inclusive development.

“This is not merely a formal act, but a clear commitment to continued cooperation in addressing common challenges and strengthening solidarity, democracy, and social resilience. The funds provided through the financial mechanisms represent important support for projects that contribute to a better quality of life for people, the development of institutions, the strengthening of local communities, and the creation of opportunities for sustainable development,” said Minister Jevšek.

Her Excellency Helga Hauksdóttir, Ambassador of Iceland, underscored the importance of solidarity and shared European values: “The EEA Grants are a clear expression of solidarity and reflect shared efforts to build a more equal and united Europe. The Grants give real meaning to values we share, cooperation, opportunity, and fairness. They bring together people, institutions, expertise, and ideas from across our countries. Iceland is proud to contribute to this cooperation.”

His Excellency, Vegard Kaale, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, underlined the importance of international cooperation in times of global challenges: “In a time of global instability and unpredictability, marked by geopolitical tensions and conflicts, international cooperation is more essential than ever. Norway remains committed to help build a strong and united European response to the challenges we are facing together.”  

Ambassador Kaale added that the EEA and Norway Grants served as an important platform for strengthening cooperation and partnership and that the current financial period aimed at a greener, more democratic, and more resilient Europe. “During this period, we will work together with Slovenia on more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable local communities, public health systems, and protection against domestic and gender-based violence,” he said.

Slovenia is launching the fourth edition of the EEA and Norway Grants in the funding period 2021-2028 and will receive a total of EUR 50,018,273 from the two financial mechanisms over the 7-year period.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Policy acts as the National Focal Point responsible for managing the two financial mechanisms in the Republic of Slovenia. It also performs the role of the Programme Operator for programmes funded by financial mechanisms. The Centre for Information Service, Co-operation and Development of NGOs (CNVOS), together with the Institute PIP - Legal and Information Centre Maribor and the Institute Good Society, was selected by the Donor States through a call for proposals to act as the Operator of the EEA Civil Society Fund.

Funding will be ring-fenced for two complementary programmes, i.e., Local Development, Good Governance, and Inclusion, and Public Health.

The programme Local Development, Good Governance, and Inclusion will support the development of greener, more inclusive, and sustainable local communities while fostering social inclusion and digitalisation. Special attention will be given to strengthening democracy, upholding the rule of law, and protecting human rights.

The programme Public Health will focus on social inclusion, women’s health and mental health. Particular attention will be paid to the protection of vulnerable groups against domestic and gender-based violence, child protection and the promotion of child-friendly justice.

The selected programme areas are based on the country’s specific development needs and aligned with national and European strategic documents, including Slovenian Development Strategy 2030, European Commission recommendations and Donor States’ priorities.