Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, as non-EU member states, have been providing financial support to EU countries through the EEA and Norway Grants since 1994. These grants are intended for countries whose gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is below 90% of the EU average. In return, the donor states benefit from the free movement of goods, capital, services and people throughout the European Union. The Slovak Republic has been a beneficiary country since 2004, when it joined the European Union and became part of the European Economic Area (EEA).
The EEA Grants represent the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway towards a green, competitive and inclusive Europe.
They pursue two main objectives: reducing economic and social disparities in Europe and strengthening bilateral relations between the donor countries and the 15 beneficiary EU Member States in Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic region.
The three donor countries cooperate closely with the European Union through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA). Between 1994 and 2014, they provided €3.3 billion through various grant schemes.
The EEA Grants 2014–2021 amount to €1.55 billion. The priorities for this funding period are:
- Innovation, research, education and competitiveness
- Social inclusion, youth employment and poverty reduction
- Environment, energy, climate change and a low-carbon economy
- Culture, civil society, good governance and fundamental rights
- Justice and home affairs
The EEA Grants are jointly financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway in proportion to their GDP.
Eligibility for these grants reflects the criteria of the EU Cohesion Fund, which is intended for Member States whose Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is below 90% of the EU average. All projects are co-financed by the State Budget of the Slovak Republic at a rate of 15%.
The project “Red Monastery – Reborn” is being implemented under the Culture Programme. The objective of the programme is “Social and economic development strengthened through cultural cooperation, cultural entrepreneurship and cultural heritage management.” The programme supports projects under two main outcomes. The first focuses on the restoration and revitalisation of cultural heritage, while the second aims to improve access to contemporary art.
The first outcome supports the improvement of cultural heritage through projects implemented under the CLT01 Call for Proposals for the restoration and revitalisation of cultural heritage, enabling the reuse or further use of cultural monuments while supporting their business potential. At least 30% of the projects are expected to be implemented in cooperation with partners from the donor countries. Projects supported under CLT01 are available here.
The second outcome aims to improve access to contemporary art through projects implemented under the Small Grant Scheme, consisting of the CLT02 and CLT03 calls. The scheme supports projects focused on developing the capacities of cultural organisations and audience engagement, organising cultural and artistic events, promoting participation in culture and the arts, supporting artistic freedom and freedom of expression, raising awareness of minority cultures, and involving educational institutions. Projects supported under CLT02 can be found here.
Comprehensive information about the EEA and Norway Grants, including current calls under individual programmes, is available on the website of the National Focal Point for the EEA and Norway Grants: www.eeagrants.sk.
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