The EEA Grants and Norway Grants made available by Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein helped to narrow economic and social disparities while strengthening bilateral relations, thereby profiting all the participating countries, she told a conference marking the end of the 2009-2014 period.

A large number of projects have been carried out around Hungary with the help of the grants. Despite difficulties during the implementation of projects, some outstanding results have been achieved, she added. Preparations are currently under way for the 2014-2021 period, and bilateral talks will soon be concluded if all pending issues are resolved, she added.

Norwegian Ambassador Olav Berstad said the progress of projects in Hungary had speeded up over the past year and “very complex projects were implemented within the budget period”, which, he said, had come to him as a surprise.

“The institutional system had a positive effect on us”, he said, congratulating project managers for their professionalism and commitment. At the same time, he said not everything went smoothly as the uptake of financing was lower than in the 2004-2009 period, he said.

“We will soon sign the contracts about the 2014-2021 period but we would not like to compromise the values that we deeply believe in both in Norway and in western and eastern Europe,” he said, noting that Norwegians are attentive to ensure that societies work in an open and democratic way both at home and around the world.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.