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 contribution 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!