Budapest witnessed the signing of agreement on the use of EEA and Norway Grants, 2009-2014. One third of the funds allocated to Hungary will be used for conservation of the environment, while the rest will be utilized to improve public health, civil society and vulnerable groups. Hungary has received €135.1 million in the last five-years, while now it will receive €153.3 million.
According to the agreement, programs will be developed and implemented to address the issue of climate change; these programs will aim at increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Icelandic National Energy Authority (OS) will also be help set up the programs for renewable energy, as it has been dealing with geothermal energy. The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning (DSB) will also be involved in the programs.
The agreements also dictate the development of a single program to promote ‘greener’ economy, by supporting innovative projects and entrepreneurs who are working towards a better environment. Innovation Norway will play a dual partnership role in this program, and in the program that will support good work and facilitate beneficial relations between social partners and public authorities.
The funds will also be used to implement various other programs, including those for public health and for children and youth at risk, along with vulnerable groups, like the Roma. The Council of Europe will play a major role in developing programs to support the vulnerable groups. More funds will be allocated to the civil society; the scholarship program will also be made bigger. The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage will be supporting the programs related to cultural heritage.
Hungary and Norway have already established strong relations, during the previous funding period. Strengthening these ties, two programs will be initiated to further improve bilateral cooperation between the two countries. One of these programs will be involved with academic research, and the other with capacity-building in the public sector. The Norwegian Research Council will be contributing as program planner; projects that will receive funding will be related to environment, health, social sciences and humanities.
