Migal: €120 mn to Come to Slovakia Via EEA and Norway Funds (2)

Trencin/Bratislava, 5 June (TASR) - Grants from the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Norway Funds will support projects in Slovakia during the 2021–2027 programme period with a total of €120 million, Investments, Regional Development and Informatisation Minister Samuel Migal (Independent) announced after the signing of a memorandum of further cooperation with the Norwegian Ambassador in Vienna, Susan Eckey, and the Icelandic Ambassador in Vienna, Helga Hauksdottir, in Trencin on Thursday. "Thanks to funds coming from the EEA and Norway Funds to Slovakia, we're able to restore cultural monuments and advance society via inclusion and the integration of marginalised communities. All the projects implemented via these funds have brought great benefit to Slovakia," emphasised the minister, noting that €100 million was invested in specific projects during the previous programme period. The Norwegian ambassador in Vienna highlighted cooperation between Trencin and the Norwegian city of Bodo, which also holds the title of European Capital of Culture, and she noted that the two cities support each other. "I want to emphasise the establishment of the Civil Society Fund because our experience from the past three programme periods has shown that there is a vibrant civil society in Slovakia. That's why we'll continue to provide resources via this tool in the future. I also want to thank Slovakia for how generously it helped Ukrainian refugees," the ambassador added. The Icelandic ambassador in Vienna is proud that Iceland can participate in developing partnerships and help to shape the situation in Europe together. She said that the Icelandic Centre became a donor in the fourth programme period, which will allow it to contribute to the development of cultural and community activities. "EEA Grants represent an opportunity for Iceland to build and expand its relationships with individual European countries. In the new programme period, we'll focus on our main priorities, which are equal opportunities and the strengthening of cultural life in Slovakia," she added. mf/df