The EEA and Norway Grants are Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway's contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area and to the strengthening of bilateral relations with the 15 Beneficiary States in Central and Southern Europe.

 

The Bilateral National Fund is a tool meant to facilitate contact and cooperation between entities in Romania and in the Donor States, the bilateral dimension in any initiative being mandatory. Bilateral cooperation with the Council of Europe is also possible.

 

The purpose of the Bilateral National Fundl in Romania is to support various bilateral cooperation initiatives between Romanian entities and entities in Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein (i.e. the Donor States). The total allocation for the 2009-2014 programming period amounts to €1,529,750.

 

The Bilateral National Fund is meant to finance complementary initiatives such as conferences, workshops, study tours, studies, consulting, information activities, as well as preparatory activities in the programming phase setting the ground for future cooperation in programmes and projects.

 

A part of the Bilateral National Fund is reserved for pre-defined activities carried out by the National Focal Point in cooperation with entities in the Donor States; the other share will fund several open calls with various thematic focuses.

 

The cooperation financed by the Bilateral National Fund shall provide a platform for increased political, cultural, professional and academic relations in a broad sense. Both donor state entities and relevant national stakeholders in Romania shall be able to access and benefit from the Fund for specific activities in the priority areas agreed between Romania and Donor States.