Opening Speech at matchmaking event Norway-Bulgaria

Amassador Tove Skarstein and Tore Lasse By. Photo: Galina Vassileva

Ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to take part in today’s matchmaking event between Bulgaria and Norway. This is a first step in the Partnership for Development Project - which is part of the Norwegian Cooperation Programme.

I would like to say a few words about how the Norwegian Cooperation Programme and EEA Financial Mechanism were established:

As you know, Norway is not a member of the European Union. But it is part of the European Economic Area Agreement (usually referred to as the EEA Agreement), making Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein part of the EU internal market.

When Bulgaria became a member of the EU in 2007 - and hence a member of the EEA Agreement - it became eligible to the Norwegian Cooperation Programme and the EEA Financial Mechanism. The € 41,5 mill is a conntribution from Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway to the reduction of social and economic disparities between Bulgaria and other countries within the European Economic Area. Norway is the largest donor, providing 97% of the total funds. Norway’s contribution is an act of solidarity, focusing on areas
where we can make a difference.

The EEA Financial Mechanism (the multilateral scheme) is administered by the Bulgarian Ministry of Finance - and the Norwegian Cooperation Programme (the bilateral scheme) is administered by Innovation Norway, a state owned company under the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The project selection process is now over and the results hold out strong hopes for closer cooperation in the future.

Under the EEA Financial Mechanism 42 projects in the field of conservation of cultural heritage, health and childcare, and protection of the environment will receive financial support.

Under the Norwegian Cooperation Programme - environment, energy, sustainable production and Schengen acquis have been areas of particular priority. 22 projects have been selected to receive financial support under this bilateral scheme. And all the 22 projects are partnerships between Norwegian and Bulgarian public, private or non-governmental entities.

The two financial mechanisms have resulted in many new contacts and cooperation between Norwegian and Bulgarian entities, and we have noted a great interest both from Bulgarian and Norwegian business community. It is our hope that this new and favourable situation will generate increased
cooperation and business links between our two countries.

It is against this background that the Norwegian Embassy in Sofia – and Innovation Norway – have initiated a small pilot project called Partnership for Development. I trust all the ingredients are there for a successful project outcome that will further strengthen bilateral relations.

Finally, I would like to mention that there will be more funding opportunities in the framework of the EEA Agreement. Negotiations between the donor states and the EU are under way in Brussels - on the contributions for the next grant period – from 2009 to 2014. (call for proposals autum 2010)

But now – here today - the focus is on development of potential bilateral partnerships in the Food and Agriculture sector. With these words I wish you good luck in finding partners for mutual development of business opportunities between Norway and Bulgaria.

Thank you!