At a ceremony in Eleftherias Square, Nicosia, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos signed two Memoranda of Understanding for the EEA (European Economic Area) and Norway Financial Mechanisms 2021-2028, totalling €14.7 million. Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Astrid Bergmal, Iceland’s Ambassador Bryndis Kjartansdottir, Acting DG Growth Perm. Sec. Penelope Papavasiliou and Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos attended.
Keravnos praised the grants as “a tangible expression of European solidarity,” saying they strengthen Cyprus’s drive for an inclusive, resilient society. He said the new period builds on past results in renewables, environmental protection and support for vulnerable groups, and will prioritise green transition (especially water), digitalisation, public health and social inclusion. He highlighted the partnership model; dialogue, expertise-sharing and mutual learning, to ensure long-term impact.
Total allocation: €14.7m -€7.5m from EEA Grants and €7.2m from Norway Grants- with a 15% national contribution.
Where the funds go
• Green transition/water scarcity (EEA Grants): €5.3m, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, to promote sustainable water management, new technologies and climate resilience.
• Public health: €2.5m (Norway Grants) to complete the Multifunctional Community Support Centre for persons with disabilities.
• Culture/digital: €1.5m (Norway Grants) to digitise the Cyprus Museum and the State Collection of Cypriot Art (Deputy Ministry of Culture).
• Women’s safety: €1m to support the Women’s House combating gender-based violence.
• Local development: €1m for the Solidarity Network “Nicosia in Action.”
• Civil society: €1.8m Civil Society Fund (EEA Grants).
• Bilateral fund: €0.34m.
• Technical assistance: €0.47m.
Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Astrid Bergmal described the EEA and Norway grants as “bridges that connect countries, institutions and people,” calling them “investments in people, resilience and democratic values.” Iceland’s Ambassador Bryndis Kjartansdottir said the grants embody solidarity and focus on key priorities such as the green transition, democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and social inclusion. Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos added that the partnership has strengthened social cohesion and innovation, noting that the Solidarity Network “Nicosia in Action” brings together more than 80 partners from civil society, academia and public bodies to support citizens through collaboration and creativity.
Keravnos said the objective is for MoU-backed projects to deliver lasting impact are a greener economy, more inclusive communities and a more resilient society.