The EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism (ie the so-called EEA and Norwegian Funds) are a form of non-returnable foreign aid granted by Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein to new EU members - several countries of Central and Southern Europe and the Baltic states. These funds are related to Poland's accession to the European Union and the simultaneous accession of our country to the European Economic Area (which is made up of the EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). In return for the financial assistance provided, the donor states enjoy access to the EU's internal market, even though they are not its members.
The main purpose of the EEA Grants and Norway Grants is to contribute to the reduction of economic and social differences within the EEA and to strengthen bilateral relations between the donor and beneficiary states.
On May 3, 2016, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway reached an agreement with the EU on the shape of the 3rd edition of the EEA Financial Mechanism (2014-2021), signing Protocol 38c to the EEA Agreement. At the same time, Norway signed an agreement with the EU on the Norwegian Financial Mechanism for 2014-2021. The recipients of the new edition of the EEA and Norway Grants (2014-2021) are a total of 15 EU countries - i.e. 12 countries that joined the common market in 2004, 2007 and 2013, as well as Greece and Portugal.
Poland signed intergovernmental agreements (Memoranda of Understanding) on the 3rd edition of the EEA and Norwegian funds (2014-2021) on December 20, 2017, receiving EUR 809.3 million (out of a total pool of over EUR 2.8 billion), which makes it, as in previous editions, the greatest beneficiary.
The Ministry of Regional Development Funds and Policy (MFiPR) is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants in Poland. National Contact Point (NCP) for the EEA and Norway Grants.
Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism for 2014-2021 (translation into Polish)
Document:
https://www.eog.gov.pl/media/105596/MoU_EOG_PL_2014_2021_do_publikacji_zmiany.pdf
Agreement concluded between the Republic of Poland and Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway. English version.
Document:
https://www.eog.gov.pl/media/104672/MoU_Poland_2014-2021_EEA_6.pdf