All the communication specialists of the agencies administering the EEA and Norway Financial Mechanism projects in Lithuania (Central Project Management Agency, Innovation Agency, Research Council of Lithuania, Active Citizens Fund), the Ministry of Finance and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway met to discuss the communication results of the period that is coming to an end.
Specialists visited the most important Lithuanian project partners: the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Directorate of the Norwegian Correctional Service as well as Oslo Halfway House, Oslo Municipality and the Arts and Culture Norway. At first glance, the very different institutions are linked by the common mission of the EEA and Norway Financial Mechanisms, which is to bridge the gap between donor and beneficiary countries. Norway is famous for its high standard of living, innovative ideas and good taste, so the world wants to follow suit.
“In terms of efficiency, Lithuania is doing well. It is one of the best performing countries. The implementation of the programmes in Lithuania was generally effective, thorough and well-managed. And the cooperation between Lithuania and Norway is seen as really good,” Elin Graae Linnestad, Advisor at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared her insights.
Elin Graae Linnestad from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the importance they attach to two aspects: reducing socio-economic disparities and strengthening bilateral relations. Therefore, communication of the results must also take place in these directions. “We attach great priority to bilateral relations. This is a value not only for us, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, partners in Lithuania, but also for Norwegian partners. Of course, overall, the EEA and Norway Financial Mechanisms are very small in the big picture compared to EU investments, but our financial mechanisms are distinguished by bilateral cooperation. In some areas, it is precisely bilateral cooperation that can achieve more than big money,” Elin Graae Linnestad said.
The second period of 2014-2021 of the EEA and Norway Financial Mechanisms is coming to an end in Lithuania. In total, the Governments of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein invested almost EUR 118 million in Lithuania over the last four years. These funds are allocated to reduce economic and social disparities and strengthen cooperation with donor countries. By April 2025, all projects must be completed. Therefore, the results are currently being discussed and evaluated. In addition to the 15 beneficiary countries, the results are also assessed by donor countries and donor partners in Norway.
Publicity and communication with each period are receiving increased attention in the strategic documents of the EEA and Norway Financial Mechanisms.
