The EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021 Results, cooperation and resilience
Through the EEA and Norway Grants, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway support a more equal Europe by reducing social and economic disparities and strengthening bilateral cooperation with 15 Beneficiary States as an integral part of the EEA Agreement.
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A story of results, cooperation and resilience
The EEA and Norway Grants are more than just financial instruments. They are a strong testimony to our collective and long-standing commitment to reducing social and economic disparities in Europe and to strengthening cooperation across countries in our region. The 2014-2021 funding period has deepened that commitment. Through broad partnerships and targeted investments, the Grants have supported interventions like climate change mitigation and adaptation, public sector capacity building, access to health care, gender equality, the strengthening of research collaboration, as well as cultural cooperation and the empowerment of civil society. People and communities across the 15 Beneficiary States were reached through these efforts. The numbers are impressive: a total of 5,300 jobs have been created, 4,629 researchers and 1,863 small- and medium size businesses have been supported, 374,460 vulnerable individuals have been reached, and more than 190,000 professional staff have been trained.
This report is both a documentation of the results achieved, as well as a celebration of the partnerships and friendships made. Bilateral cooperation is a cornerstone of the Grants. It is both a means to an end, as well as an end in itself. The Grants’ strong emphasis on bilateral cooperation between entities in the Donor and Beneficiary States have created lasting networks, advanced knowledge sharing and reinforced trust. Such cooperation is essential for addressing cross-border challenges and building a cohesive and resilient Europe.
The funding period was not without its challenges. COVID‑19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, alongside their immense impact on Europe as a whole, also placed significant practical challenges on the EEA Grants through travel restrictions, supply shortages, rising inflation and lack of personnel. This report demonstrates how the Grants quickly adjusted to these challenges by maintaining flexibility in funding and adapting swiftly to emerging needs. As part of this, the Grants provided targeted support to alleviate the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the Beneficiary States. More than €20 million was allocated to 207 projects across the Beneficiary States in support of the protection and integration of refugees, strengthening social services and ensuring continuity of education and health, including psychosocial support.
The strong bonds between our countries are more important than ever. The world is changing. Democracy, rule of law and human rights are under pressure while. environmental degradation and climate change are challenging our mere existence. In times like these cooperation and unity in Europe through sharing values and principles that foster understanding, solidarity, friendship and peace is essential.
As we enter into a new financial period of the EEA and Norway Grants (2021-2028), we draw on the wide experiences, many success stories and lessons learned by all those who have contributed with their sincere dedication and hard work to a strong, united and forward-looking Europe. We remain committed to building and fostering a green, democratic and resilient Europe.
Espen Barth Eide Minister of Foreign Affairs Norway 
Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir Minister of Foreign Affairs Iceland 
Sabine Monauni Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Environment and Culture of Liechtenstein The 2014–2021 EEA and Norway Grants
The EEA (European Economic Area) and Norway Grants are Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway’s contribution to reducing social and economic disparities in Europe and to strengthening bilateral relations with the 15 Beneficiary States. The Grants are an important tool for addressing common challenges and strengthening our European community based on democratic values and principles of good governance. Cooperation between Donor and Beneficiary States is key to creating platforms for political interaction, cooperation in priority areas, and network building. The Grants are allocated in response to the specific needs of each Beneficiary State and to sectors where there is potential for, and interest in, cooperation with Norwegian partners.
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For the funding period spanning 2014–2021, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway provided €2.8 billion to the 15 least prosperous countries in the EEA, with Norway providing roughly 97% of the funding. Support was targeted towards the following thematic priority areas: Green, Competitive, and Inclusive.
The 2014–2021 funding period comprised a complex and wide-ranging set of programmes implemented across multiple Beneficiary States and thematic areas. In total, over 6,600 projects were completed within 97 programmes in 14 Beneficiary States. This report presents a consolidated overview of the period, examining how the Grants were translated into national programmes and projects, and what they achieved.
Covering a broad spectrum of thematic areas, the 2014–2021 Grants supported interventions in various fields, including innovation and competitiveness, education and research, social inclusion and health, environment and climate action, justice and home affairs, culture, and civil society. Programmes were designed to respond to national needs while aligning with agreed priorities at the level of the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement). The diversity in thematic focus and national contexts required tailored approaches to programme design, implementation and monitoring.
The implementation of the 2014–2021 Grants took place in a dynamic and, at times, challenging environment. National administrations and Programme Operators managed the delivery of funding within established governance and control frameworks while adapting to evolving political, economic and administrative circumstances. The latter part of the funding period coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s warfare in Ukraine, which affected implementation timelines, project activities and stakeholder engagement. Adjustments made during this time are reflected in both financial and qualitative results.
A defining feature of the Grants is their emphasis on results-based management. Throughout the 2014–2021 funding period, programmes were monitored against predefined objectives and indicators, allowing progress and outcomes to be assessed in a structured and comparable manner. This report draws on programme reporting, financial and statistical data, as well as qualitative assessments to provide an evidence-based account of achievements and challenges.
The purpose of this report is to document the implementation and results of the 2014–2021 EEA and Norway Grants in a clear and accessible way. By presenting key data, analysis and selected examples, it aims to support accountability, institutional learning, and informed discussion among stakeholders. The report also provides a reference point for the ongoing 2021–2028 funding period, supporting continuity and improvement in future programme design and delivery.
6,664 contracted projects
37.8% of projects with Donor project partners
A brief history of the Grants
Ever since the EEA Agreement entered into force in 1994, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway have helped improve lives and contributed to social and economic progress in many countries of the EU and EEA.
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