The Norwegian side greatly appreciates Bulgaria's results in the bilateral cooperation programmes as well as the constructive approach in the negotiations on the future framework for the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. This was stated by Mrs. Marit Rössland, Minister of the EEA and European Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, invited in Bulgaria by the Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev.
At the meeting was discussed the upcoming Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council, Brexit and its impact on the EU, the development of bilateral relations between Bulgaria and the Kingdom of Norway, and the new programming period for the bilateral financial instruments (2014-2021). Deputy Prime Minister Donchev stressed that it is important for Bulgaria to build up the achieved good results at level of institutional connectivity with business partnership initiatives based on good cooperation between the two countries.
"The negotiations with Bulgaria on the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 were extremely fruitful and structured, thanks to which your country was the third country we reached an agreement," said Minister Roesland. Bulgaria will have access to EUR 210.1 million to finance projects in a number of key program areas - local development, improved inclusion of vulnerable groups, energy efficiency, the environment and climate change, cultural entrepreneurship, justice and home affairs, business development, innovation and small and medium-sized enterprises. For the first time, Bulgaria and Norway will cooperate on refugee and migration programs and Norwegian partner on these programs will be the Norwegian Immigration Service.
During his working visit to Bulgaria Minister Marit Rössland also met with the Minister for the Bulgarian EU Council Presidency Lilyana Pavlova. Her program in Bulgaria also includes meetings with Deputy Ministers from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education and Science, Energy, Culture, Environment and Water, Interior and Justice.