Croatia to receive an additional €111 million from the European Economic Area and Norway Grants

Investments will focus on green transition, local development, innovation in green and blue business, and the judiciary.

Zagreb, 23 September 2025 – Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds Nataša Mikuš Žigman, together with the Ambassador of Iceland H.E. Helga Hauksdóttir and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway H.E. Arne Sannes Bjørnstad, signed the Memoranda of Understanding on the implementation of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants for the period until 2028.

Through these Memoranda, Croatia has been allocated an additional €111 million for investments in the green transition, local development, innovation in green and blue business, and the judiciary.

“Today’s signing of the Memoranda confirms the continuous and successful cooperation between Croatia and Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Through projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants, we are strengthening institutional capacities, supporting sustainable development, inclusiveness, and innovation, and contributing long-term to improving the quality of life of our citizens. These mechanisms also enable us to jointly develop solutions for key social and economic challenges and to build the foundations for further cooperation with partner countries,” said Minister Mikuš Žigman.

In the new programming period, the EEA Financial Mechanism will fund projects worth €21.6 million under the Green Transition Programme, aimed at accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable society. A further €33 million will be invested through the Local Development Programme, including projects to improve access to STEM education in less developed regions.

Ambassador Hauksdóttir emphasized that Iceland is proud to be part of this cooperation, as it reflects solidarity and helps support equal opportunities and living standards across the European Economic Area. She added that such projects strengthen public institutions, support vulnerable communities, encourage innovation, and establish lasting ties between researchers, local communities, civil society, and artists across borders.

From the Norway Grants, €22 million will be invested in the Green and Blue Business Innovation Programme, fostering sustainable and competitive development of Croatia’s economy through green and blue innovation, including low-carbon circular economy models. Through the Justice Programme, €21.55 million will be invested to improve access to an independent, accountable, and efficient judicial system, as well as to enhance correctional institutions in line with international and European standards.

“For many years, Croatia and Norway have been working side by side to build a stronger Europe – one that is more competitive, but also more inclusive and greener, and thus more technologically and economically efficient. In a world marked by uncertainties such as the war in Ukraine, climate change, and global instability, it is clear that European countries are stronger when we act together, in solidarity, defending shared interests and values. With the new period of the EEA and Norway Grants, we are also adding resilience to our common priorities. Norway may not be a member of the European Union, but with Croatia we share the same values and commitment to peace, democracy, and prosperity. We look forward to continuing our cooperation and working together for a stronger Europe,” stated Ambassador Bjørnstad during the signing of the Memoranda.

In the previous funding period, numerous projects worth more than €103 million were successfully implemented in Croatia, including the establishment of four Regional Science Centres, the construction of a major geothermal well in Bjelovar, and the opening of a new court building in Split. More than 9,000 pupils participated in STEM courses and programmes, and over 1,600 teachers and school staff improved their skills through various educational activities and workshops. Probation offices in Zagreb, Rijeka, Sisak, Split, Požega, Osijek, and Bjelovar were refurbished, while judges received additional training through international programmes. Projects under the Energy and Climate Change Programme contributed to a better quality of life for Croatian citizens by creating a cleaner environment, strengthening energy security and resilience, reducing costs in public institutions and buildings, and raising awareness of energy efficiency.

The new funding period offers an opportunity for Croatia’s further development by supporting key sectors, strengthening bilateral relations with partner countries, and implementing projects that directly improve the quality of life of its citizens.