Today, 12th September 2024, the agreements on the 2021-2028 Norwegian Financing Mechanisms Financing Mechanisms and the Market Access Protocols for Icelandic and Norwegian fish and fishery products were signed by John Watson, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Commission, and the Ambassadors of the three EEA states (Norway-Anders H. Eide, Iceland-Kristjan Andri Stefansson, Liechtenstein- Pascal Schafhauser).

During the signing ceremony John Watson, the Commission’s Deputy Secretary-General, emphasized the following:
“A long and demanding negotiation process, it is of the utmost importance to ratify the agreements and enter into force, as well as to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and program agreements as soon as possible, to ensure that all beneficiary member states can fully use the available resources.”
In addition, he emphasized the need to simplify the conditions for implementation.

During the signing ceremony, the ambassadors of the three EEA states welcomed the signing of agreements that contribute to reducing social and economic inequalities, and common values ​​(democracy, rule of law, human rights) and strengthen bilateral relations between the Donor and the Beneficiary States.

They indicated that they intend to create the new implementation structure based on the framework and experience of previous years, reflecting the necessary simplification measures.

The thematic areas for the upcoming funding period are:
☑European green transition
☑Democracy
☑Rule of law and human rights
☑Social inclusion and resilience

Read the following media statements:
https://lnkd.in/dhfq39eY
https://lnkd.in/dBM4avQr