Deepening cooperation with Cyprus

The Memoranda of Understanding were signed on Nicosia on 6 November 2025. 

The three Donor States have allocated €17.6 million to one programme and funds to be implemented in Cyprus. 

Over the next few years, the joint priorities will be green transition, culture, public health, and domestic and gender-based violence.  

The EEA and Norway Grants are a tangible expression of European solidarity and shared responsibility. Through this partnership, we strengthen Cyprus’s efforts towards a more inclusive and resilient society. Together, we turn challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth for the benefit of all citizens. 

Mr Makis Keravnos, Minister of Finance, Cyprus 

Strengthening civil society will continue to be an important priority. An independent Cypriot Fund Operator will be selected in an open tender and expected to be announced in the autumn. 

The overarching objective of the deepened cooperation is to contribute to social and economic development in Cyprus and to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.   

Furthermore, the agreement between the three Donor States and Cyprus, paves the way for important contributions to thematic priorities of the EEA and Norway Grants: European green transition; democracy, rule of law and human rights; and social inclusion and resilience. 

Iceland places great value on the constructive partnership we have established with Cyprus through the EEA Grants, which have laid a solid foundation for advancing our bilateral cooperation. As we embark on a new funding period, we look forward to further strengthening and expanding this collaboration.

Ms Bryndís Kjartansdóttir, Ambassador, Iceland 

The EEA and Norway Grants are among Norway’s most important contributions to a strong, secure and united Europe. By renewing our partnership with Cyprus, we will continue our cooperation in health, services to vulnerable groups, addressing water scarcity and a range of other areas. Together, we will strengthen civil society and support both social inclusion and the green transition in Cyprus. 

Ms Astrid Bergmål, State Secretary, Norway 

Find the agreements here:
Memorandum of Understanding EEA Grants Cyprus 2021-2028
Memorandum of Understanding Norway Grants Cyprus 2021-2028

Enhancing local development 

Given the size of the allocation and drawing on lessons learnt from previous programming periods, it was agreed that the funding will be implemented through a multi-sectoral approach within a single programme funded by both the EEA and Norway Grants – Local development (€12.1 million). A set of pre-defined projects will be supported in the areas of culture, public health, and domestic and gender-based violence. In addition, projects supporting the green transition, with a particular focus on water scarcity, will be selected through a call for proposals. The programme will be managed by the Directorate General Growth, Ministry of Finance. 

Bilateral cooperation   

Around €350,000 has been allocated to strengthen bilateral relations by fostering partnerships between entities in Cyprus, and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Further participation of the Donor States’ entities in the programme implementation will be explored during the programme preparation phase. 

Gender equality and digitalisation will be mainstreamed and form part of all relevant programme areas. 

Through an earmarked contribution of almost €1 million, the programme and funds for bilateral relations will also address challenges experienced in Cyprus as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. 

Implementation of the programme and the open call for project proposals is expected to start and to be announced in the beginning of 2026.