OSLO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Norway on Tuesday signed an agreement with Estonia under the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants scheme, the Norwegian government said in a press release.
The agreement was signed in Tallinn by Norwegian State Secretary Maria Varteressian and Estonian Finance Minister Jurgen Ligi, with Iceland and Liechtenstein also signing as partners in the Grants framework.
Under the deal, Estonia will receive a total of 71.8 million euros (81.58 million U.S. dollars) in funding, of which Norway will contribute approximately 97 percent.
Norway's contributions through the EEA and Norway Grants are designed to reduce disparities across Europe and promote stronger cooperation between donor and beneficiary countries. Fifteen countries currently qualify for funding under the scheme.
The new funding agreement identifies green transition, crisis prevention and preparedness, healthcare, and business development as key priority areas. It also includes support for physical and digital infrastructure aimed at safeguarding Estonia's cultural heritage.
The agreement with Estonia is the second such deal under the new funding cycle, following a similar pact with Poland in April, said the Norwegian government. ■
