70 million Euro to innovative projects in Romania and Bulgaria

Norwegian companies and research institutes can participate in joint projects with the beneficiary countries. The deadlines for the submission of proposals are in October (Bulgaria) and November (Romania). The projects can be implemented until 2024.

The EEA and Norway Grants are the most important export- and internationalisation tool for Norwegian businesses with an interest in the Romanian and Bulgarian market, says Munkelien.

Project financing goes to projects within the focus areas Green Industry Innovation, Welfare, Blue Growth / Ocean Space and ICT.

Nine out of ten Norwegian companies would recommend to others to get involved in EEA and Norway Grants projects

In total 400 million Euro in grants will be available under the business programmes in 11 countries in the Baltics, Central and South Europe from 2018 until 2020.

Earlier programmes have shown good results for Norwegian companies. 108 Norwegian partners participated and received financing for their projects in the years 2014-2017. Nine out of ten Norwegian companies that participated recommend the programme and would participate again if they have the opportunity.

“This is a fantastic feedback for the previous EEA and Norway Grants schemes. We hope that many more Norwegian companies will use the opportunity this time”, says Eli Bleie Munkelien, and continues: “During this period of calls, there is three times as much money available to companies as previous time.”

Norwegian companies can apply for grants in collaboration with local companies

Main target groups within the donor state partners to EEA and Norway Grants business programmes are suppliers or developers of technologies or production processes or suppliers of competence and trainings, or companies interested in joint investments in production facilities.

The first calls will support companies in the beneficiary countries that develop, apply or commercialise products or services within Green Industry Innovation, digitalisation and green ICT, or business development linked to Blue growth and welfare technology.

Norwegian companies themselves cannot apply for financing, but need to partner up with an enterprise in Romania or Bulgaria. “We have established a partner search database where interested companies can register a profile. In addition, there will be several matchmaking events in both Norway and the beneficiary countries", says Munkelien.

The next occasion is an event on Circular Economy during Oslo Innovation Week on September 26th.

Facts about EEA and Norway Grants

EEA and Norway Grants aim to strengthen bilateral relations with 15 EU countries and reduce economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area.

Innovation Norway is programme operator in Romania and Bulgaria, among others. We operate calls, assess application, grant financing and monitor projects. Innovation Norway is also committed to recruiting as many as possible Norwegian partners to the projects.

Contact Romania: Anne Lise Rognlidalen

Contact Bulgaria: Knut Ringstad