The Economic European Area (EEA) and Norway have granted a new programming period supporting actions in Cyprus that promote green transition, digitalisation, public health and social cohesion, Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos has said.
He was speaking on the afternoon of 6 November during the signing ceremony of two Memoranda of Understanding on the implementation of the EEA and Norway Financial Mechanisms 2021-2028 with a budget of €14.7 million.
The ceremony took place at Eleftheria Square, in Nicosia, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Astrid Bergmal, the Ambassador of the Republic of Iceland to Cyprus, Bryndis Kjartansdottir, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Directorate General Growth of the Ministry of Finance, Penelope Papavasiliou and Nicosia's Mayor, Charalambos Prountzos.
In his opening remarks, Makis Keravnos thanked the donor states, the governments of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and the Financial Mechanism Office, noting that this ceremony marks an important milestone in a long-standing and fruitful partnership. “Through the Economic European Area (EEA) and Norway grants, we have strengthened the bonds between Cyprus and the Donor States, bonds founded on solidarity, mutual trust, and a shared vision for a fair, cohesive, and sustainable Europe,” he said.
A tangible expression of European solidarity
The Minister noted that the EEA and Norway grants are a tangible expression of European solidarity and shared responsibility. “Through this partnership, we strengthen Cyprus’ efforts towards a more inclusive and resilient society. Together, we turn challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth, for the benefit of all citizens,” he noted.
He added that the impact of this cooperation is visible across many sectors of the Cypriot society. During the previous funding period, the Grants contributed to important areas, from environmental protection and renewable energy to social inclusion and support for vulnerable groups, he noted.
“The new programming period builds on these successes. It will support actions that promote green transition, especially in the area of water scarcity, digitalisation, public health and social inclusion, all essential pillars of Cyprus’ and Europe’s future,” the Minister said.
Beyond financial assistance, what makes the EEA and Norway grants truly valuable, according to the Minister, is the partnership model they promote: a model based on dialogue, exchange of expertise, and mutual learning. “It allows our institutions, professionals, and communities to grow stronger together, fostering genuine European cooperation.”
“Our collective objective must be to ensure that the projects implemented under these MoUs deliver long-term, meaningful impact, supporting a greener economy, more inclusive communities, and a more resilient society,” he concluded.
Addressing pressing challenges for Cyprus
Penelope Papavasiliou, Head of the National Focal Point, noted that for Cyprus, the total allocation for the new funding period amounts to €14.7 million. Of these, €7.5 million will come from the EEA Grants and €7.2 million from the Norway Grants, complemented by a national contribution of 15%.
Presenting the project funded in the new funding period, she mentioned that regarding green transition, the water scarcity projects are funded by the EEA grants by a budget of €5.3 million. This project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment. “It aims to address one of the most pressing challenges for Cyprus, water scarcity, by promoting sustainable water management, innovative technologies and resilience to climate change,” she said.
The public health project helps the completion of the Multifunctional Community Support Centre for persons with disabilities, funded by the Norway grants, with €2.5 million.
The third project regards the digitalisation of the Cyprus’ Museum and the State Collection of Cypriot Art, also funded by the Norway grants with a budget of €1.5 million, implemented by the Deputy Ministry of Culture.
Moreover, a grant of a €1 million will support the Women’s House, combating gender-based violence. Also, a local development in Nicosia will be funded with €1 million, supporting the Solidarity Network “Nicosia in Action”.
In addition to these projects, Cyprus will also implement a Civil Society Fund, for €1.8 million under the EEA grants, a bilateral fund of €0.34 million and technical assistance measures of €0.47 million.
“Bridges that connect countries, institutions and people”
The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Astrid Bergmal, stressed that the EEA and Norway grants are not just financial instruments, but “bridges that connect countries, institutions and people”.
She noted that the projects funded are “investments in people, in resilience, in democratic values”. She called to view the signing of these agreements, not just as a renewal, but as a declaration that Cyprus and Norway and the other EEA partners “stand ready to defend and strengthen the Europe we believe in”.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Iceland to Cyprus, Bryndis Kjartansdottir, said that the EEA grants are a clear expression of solidarity, that helps promote equal opportunities and improve living standards across the EEA.
She added that the new funding period the EEA grants focus on three thematic priorities: the green transition, democracy, the rule of law and human rights and social inclusion and resilience.
Nicosia’s Mayor, Charalambos Prountzos, said that this important milestone marks the continuation of a long and fruitful partnership that has contributed significantly to social cohesion, sustainable development and innovation in our country.
“The Nicosia Municipal Multifunctional Foundation, as part of this collective effort, has greatly benefitted from the support of EEA and Norway grants,” he noted, adding that through this cooperation it has been able to strengthen its social services and create new opportunities for vulnerable citizens in the city.
Moreover, he said that the Solidarity Network “Nicosia in Action” stands as “one of our flagship initiatives, bringing together more than 80 partners from civil society, academia and public bodies. It represents our shared vision of a city that supports every citizen through collaboration, compassion and innovation,” he noted, thanking the donor states and the Financial Mechanism Office.
(Source: CNA)
