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Under the European Economic Area and Norway Grants, Croatia is entitled to EUR 21.6 million from the Green Transition Programme and EUR 22 million from the Green and Blue Business Innovation Programme in the period until 2028. The funding is part of a EUR 111 million mechanism, which includes support for local development and the judiciary.

Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds Nataša Mikuš Žigman, Ambassador of Iceland Helga Hauksdóttir and Ambassador of Norway Arne Sannes Bjørnstad signed memoranda of understanding on the implementation of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants for the period until 2028.

Croatia is entitled to EUR 111 million for investments in the green transition, local development, innovation in green and blue business, and the judiciary.

EEA Financial Mechanism to bolster transition to more sustainable society

It confirms the country’s continuous and successful cooperation with Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, Mikuš Žigman asserted.

“Through projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants, we are strengthening institutional capacities, supporting sustainable development, inclusiveness, and innovation, and contributing long-term to improving the quality of life of our citizens. These mechanisms also enable us to jointly develop solutions for key social and economic challenges and to build the foundations for further cooperation with partner countries,” she stated.

Projects worth more than EUR 103 million were implemented in Croatia in the previous funding period

In the new programming period, the EEA Financial Mechanism is set to fund projects worth EUR 21.6 million under the Green Transition Programme, aimed at accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable society. A further EUR 33 million would be invested through the Local Development Programme, including projects to improve access to STEM education in less developed regions. STEM is an acronym for integrated science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Hauksdóttir said the cooperation reflects solidarity and helps support equal opportunities and living standards across the EEA. She added that such projects strengthen public institutions, support vulnerable communities, encourage innovation, and establish lasting ties between researchers, local communities, civil society and artists across borders.

Norway Grants helping foster low-carbon circular economy

From the Norway Grants segment, EUR 22 million is earmarked for the Green and Blue Business Innovation Programme, fostering sustainable and competitive development of Croatia’s economy through green and blue innovation, including low-carbon circular economy models.

Through the Justice Programme, there is EUR 21.55 million for improving access to an independent, accountable and efficient judicial system, as well as to enhance correctional institutions in line with international and European standards.

“For many years, Croatia and Norway have been working side by side to build a stronger Europe – one that is more competitive, but also more inclusive and greener, and thus more technologically and economically efficient. In a world marked by uncertainties such as the war in Ukraine, climate change, and global instability, it is clear that European countries are stronger when we act together, in solidarity, defending shared interests and values,” Ambassador Bjørnstad stressed.

In the previous funding period, projects worth more than EUR 103 million were implemented in Croatia, including the establishment of four regional science centres and the construction of a major geothermal well in Bjelovar. The Energy and Climate Change Programme was for a cleaner environment, strengthening energy security and resilience, reducing costs in public institutions and buildings, and raising awareness of energy efficiency.

Norway Grants and EEA Grants are segments of the EEA Financial Mechanism. Its beneficiaries are in EU member states with a gross national income (GNI) per capita below 90% of the average. The current seven-year funding period began in May 2021 and it lasts until April 2028.