Programme areas and funds for the EEA and Norway Grants

The Blue Book for the 2021-2028 funding period provides a comprehensive introduction to the EEA and Norway Grants for this period. It outlines the programme areas and funds eligible for support, setting the framework and expectations for how the funding should contribute to reducing economic and social disparities in Europe while strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Programme areas and funds for the EEA and Norway Grants 2021 – 2028

Iceland

Support by country 2021-2028

Norway

3 Donor States 15 Beneficiary States

Estonia €71.8 million

Latvia €109.5 million

EEA Grants €1.8 billion financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway Norway Grants €1.46 billion financed by Norway

Lithuania €117.9 million

Poland €924.9 million

Czech Republic €225.2 million

Slovakia €130.7 million

Hungary €254.1 million

Liechtenstein

Romania €596.3 million

Slovenia €50.0 million Croatia €133.1 million

Bulgaria €260.0 million

Portugal €126.3 million

Greece €159.3 million

Malta €11.2 million

Cyprus €17.6 million

The EEA and Norway Grants are Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway’s contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in Europe and to strengthening bilateral relations with 15 Beneficiary States in Northern, Central and Southern Europe. This ‘Blue Book’ presents the 15 programme areas and three funds of the EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028. The specific priorities in each Beneficiary State will be set in the Memoranda of Understanding.

Reduce

economic and social

disparities

Strengthen

bilateral

relations

Photo credits pg. 10/11: Bjarni Vestmann; pg. 12/13: The Ministry of Finance of Bulgaria; pg. 14/15: EEA and Norway Grants; pg. 16/17: Vlad Ștefănu;

pg. 24/25: Barbora Haviarová; pg. 26/27: State Fire and Rescue Service of the Republic of Lithuania; pg. 28/29: Parish Council of Benfica; pg. 30/31: EEA and Norway Grants; pg. 32/33: Romanian Ministry of Justice; pg. 34/35: The Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Latvia;

pg. 36/37: EEA and Norway Grants; pg. 38/39: Studio Vision; pg. 40/41: Anna Vaskevich; pg. 42/43: CARDET; pg. 44/45: OECD; pg. 46/47: EEA and Norway Grants;

pg. 18/19: SIA “Lielais Dzintars”; pg. 20/21: SLLC “Rigas cirks”; pg. 22/23: Jakub Misík Photography;

EEA Grants and Norway Grants 2021-2028

The EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028 ............................................................... 6 Programme areas Green Transition ................................................................................................................................. 10 Green Business and Innovation ............................................................................................... 12 Research and Innovation .............................................................................................................. 14 Education and Training ...................................................................................................................16 Culture ....................................................................................................................................................... 18 Local Development, Good Governance and Inclusion ......................................... 20 Roma Inclusion and Empowerment .................................................................................... 22 Public Health ........................................................................................................................................ 24 Disaster Prevention and Preparedness ........................................................................... 26 Domestic and Gender-Based Violence ........................................................................... 28 Access to Justice ............................................................................................................................ 30 Correctional Services .................................................................................................................... 32 Serious and Organised Crime ................................................................................................ 34 Asylum, Migration and Integration ........................................................................................ 36 Institutional Cooperation and Capacity Building ....................................................... 38 Funds Fund for Civil Society .................................................................................................................... 42 Fund for Capacity Building and Cooperation with International Partner Organisations and Institutions .............................................. 44 Fund for Social Dialogue and Decent Work (Norway Grants) .......................... 46

The EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028

For more than two decades, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway have worked closely with partners in EU Member States to help reduce social and economic disparities and to strengthen bilateral cooperation through the EEA and Norway Grants.

Twenty years after the 2004 enlargement of the EU, significant achievements can be seen in economic growth and reduced disparities within the European Economic Area. However, gaps in economic development and living standards persist. Climate impacting Europe. Continued efforts and cooperation are essential to further reduce disparities, safeguard a strong and democratic Europe, and promote inclusive and resilient societies. change and geopolitical tension and conflict are

To reduce social and economic disparities and to strengthen cooperation with 15 EU Member States (Beneficiary States), Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway (Donor States), together with the European Union, have agreed to continue the EEA and Norway Grants for a fourth period, 2021-2028, with a budget of €3.268 billion. The amount is divided into the EEA Grants, with a budget of €1.805 billion, and the Norway Grants, with a budget of €1.463 billion. The EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028 build on the successes of the 2014-2021 period, and will promote the following three overall thematic priorities:

Working together for a green , democratic and resilient Europe.

• •

European green transition Democracy, rule of law and human rights

•

Social inclusion and resilience

Digitalisation will be mainstreamed and form part of all relevant programme areas, serving as a key driver of social and economic development. While digitalisation offers clear benefits, it can also entail challenges for governments and societies related to sustainable energy use, data security, privacy, disinformation, crime, and social disconnection.

The two funding mechanisms make available a financial contribution of €183 million (€100 million from the EEA Grants and €83 million from the Norway Grants) for projects related to challenges experienced as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. The projects should meet identified needs in the Beneficiary States and will be implemented across the programme areas and funds. The Grants facilitate collaboration between stakeholders from the Donor and Beneficiary States, allowing them to address shared challenges and find joint solutions. To contribute to the overall objective of strengthening the relations preparation and implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028 will be undertaken in partnership at both the programme and project levels. The implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028 is governed by the Regulation on the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 and the Regulation on the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 (‘the Regulations’). The EEA and Norway Grants are based on the common values and between the Donor and Beneficiary States, the

principles of: respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.

The EEA and Norway Grants support Beneficiary States in fulfilling their human rights obligations in accordance with international human rights standards. To this end, the Grants will also support cooperation with International Partner Organisations and institutions.

Common values

All programmes and activities funded by the EEA and Norway Grants shall be consistent with respect for these values and principles and abstain from supporting operations that may fail to do so. Their implementation shall comply with the fundamental rights and obligations enshrined in relevant instruments and standards. Transparency, accountability, and cost efficiency shall be applied throughout implementation, together with good governance, partnership and multi-level governance, sustainable development, gender equality and non-discrimination. Gender equality is a core value in the implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants and will be integrated throughout all programme areas, both as a guiding principle and through targeted activities in relevant programmes.

The Blue Book

This ‘Blue Book’ outlines the programme areas and funds for the EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028. It describes the objectives and approaches for each programme area and fund and the areas eligible for support. All 15 programme areas and the three funds contribute to at least one of the thematic priorities. The EEA and Norway Grants also contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Blue Book sets the framework for successful negotiations of the specific priorities and programmes in each Beneficiary State, to be agreed in the Memoranda of Understanding. All programme areas and funds can be funded by both the EEA Grants and Norway Grants, except for the Fund for Social Dialogue and Decent Work, which is solely funded by the Norway Grants.

The description of each programme area and fund includes: • Programme area/fund objective: the objective to which the projects funded must contribute. • Rationale for the support: the background and relevance of the support. • Areas of support: the thematic sub-components eligible for funding. Not all areas of support need to be included in each programme. Programme Operators and Fund Operators are encouraged to focus their programmes and choose areas of support accordingly. • How the objectives will be addressed: methods and type of activities to be supported to reach the objective. • Key actors and beneficiaries: the key actors, beneficiaries, and target groups/areas. • Programme area/fund specifics: binding conditions for each programme or fund. A draft of the Blue Book was subject to public consultation from 13 September to 18 October 2024. Around 1200 responses were received from across all the Donor and Beneficiary States, third countries and international organisations, and these have contributed to this final version

of the Blue Book 2021-2028. A summary of the results of the consultation is available here on www.eeagrants.org. Partners in the EEA and Norway Grants 2021- 2028 • The National Focal Point (NFP) is the main partner in each Beneficiary State. It has the overall responsibility Understanding (MoU) and for ensuring that all programmes contribute to the objectives of the Grants. • A Programme Operator (PO) is responsible for preparing and implementing the individual programme and for selecting and contracting projects funded. • A Donor Programme programme. Its contribution is agreed upon between Donor and Beneficiary States. • An International Partner Organisation (IPO) is an international organisation or an institution designated by the EEA Financial Mechanism Committee (FMC)/Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA) and involved in the implementation of the EEA for the implementation of the Memoranda of Partner (DPP) is a public entity from a Donor State advising and participating in the preparation and/ or implementation of a

and Norway Grants 2021- 2028. • The Donor States have delegated decision-making powers to the FMC with respect to the EEA Grants, and the NMFA for the Norway Grants. The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) serves as the secretariat for both the EEA and Norway Grants. Programme development and implementation • Based on the Blue Book, the Donor States enter into negotiations on MoUs with each Beneficiary State. The MoUs are drawn up for the EEA Grants and for the Norway Grants separately, identifying the programme areas and programmes to be funded. The aim is to tailor the support to each country based on its needs, aims, and capacity, as well as the bilateral interests shared by the Donors and the Beneficiary State. • The MoU describes the management

arrangements, including that of the Programme Operators, and the cooperation with the Donor Partners and IPOs. Programme development in each Beneficiary State formally starts once the

respective MoUs have been signed. • Programmes are developed in line with the MoUs and the Blue Book. The Programme Operator develops a short concept note in cooperation with the Donor Programme Partners, IPO(s) and the FMO. The concept note defines the scope and planned results of each programme. The EEA and Norway Grants apply results-based management, seeking to ensure that the programmes and funds achieve their intended objective. The concept note is submitted to the Donor States through the NFP. • Based on the concept note and the assessment of the Donor States, a programme agreement is signed between the Donor State and the Beneficiary States. The programme agreement sets out the terms and conditions for the implementation of the programme and the roles and responsibilities of the parties involved. • A programme may combine a number of programme areas. A project must contribute to only one programme area objective. • The objectives of the

programmes and of the EEA and Norway Grants are achieved through projects and bilateral initiatives. Projects are generally selected through competitive procedures but can also be pre-defined in the MoUs or in the programme agreements. Once the programme agreement is signed, the Programme/Fund Operator launches one or more open calls for proposals, selects projects in cooperation with a Selection Committee and signs project contracts with the project promoters.

Green Transition

Programme area objective Acceleration of the green transition towards a more sustainable society.

Rationale for the support

Some groups and areas suffer disproportionately from the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. The geographical dimension of ensuring a just green transition must therefore be addressed. The green transition can have significant impacts on individuals and societies. Equality and non-discrimination are cross- cutting principles that shall be addressed throughout the programme area.

The triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss demands an acceleration of the green transition. This programme area supports the transition towards climate neutrality in 2050 through the implementation of the EU’s Green Deal and its legal obligations. The green transition gives Europe an opportunity to build resilience. Societies must adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. Further efforts are needed to ensure access to affordable, reliable and clean energy. Energy use must become more efficient, and it is crucial to secure a more sustainable supply of raw materials to scale up clean technologies. Pollution and unsustainable consumption lead to environmental degradation that damages ecosystems and increases biodiversity loss. To strengthen resilience across sectors, the resource-intensive linear economy must evolve into a resource-efficient circular economy. Efforts are needed to protect and restore nature, increase the use of renewable natural resources, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems.

Areas of support

• Clean energy transition. • Air, water, and soil pollution. • Energy security. • Energy poverty. • Sustainable and smart mobility. • Circular economy. • Industrial carbon management. • Natural sinks for absorbing carbon. • Climate change adaptation. • Biodiversity and ecosystems. • Green governance.

How the objective will be addressed

Programme area specifics

a complex programme design, the scope will be limited to a restricted number of areas of support.

The programme area aims to strengthen all levels of government to enable the implementation of, and compliance with, the EU’s Green Deal. This may include regulatory processes, management systems, and the use of digital solutions, as well as access to and sharing of data. Knowledge sharing, awareness raising, anti- disinformation campaigns, and capacity building will contribute to achieving the programme area objective. The programme area supports the application of nature-based solutions, low-carbon technologies, and environmentally friendly practices. The funding is suitable both for smaller infrastructure projects and projects that facilitate larger investments. This may include consequence analyses, feasibility studies or testing of new concepts, and pilots. The funding may cover areas where the private sector sees limited potential benefits from investments. The scope of each programme will be defined by selecting areas of support. Unless otherwise agreed, and to avoid

Key actors and beneficiaries

Citizens, the public sector and the private sector must mobilise and work together to address the programme area objective. Public institutions, all levels of government, and private entities are the main implementing actors. Civil society organisations, entities from the Donor States, research institutions, and international organisations are valuable partners. The supported measures will benefit the general public. The programme area will promote social inclusion, gender equality and youth empowerment. It will target the people that are most affected by climate change and environmental degradation.

Green Business and Innovation

Programme area objective Green value creation and competitiveness.

Rationale for the support

Private enterprises in contexts with low levels of innovation are more at risk of falling behind in the green and digital transitions. They are also less successful in accessing EU funding. Enhancing their competitiveness will attract private investments, create better jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth. While it is primarily the responsibility of private enterprises to exploit market opportunities in the green transition, public funding is needed to stimulate and accelerate the transition, as it reduces risks and may release private capital. It is crucial to promote gender balance in the green economy and support female entrepreneurs in participating in the green and digital transitions.

This programme area contributes to the EU’s climate goals in line with the European Green Deal and the EU Industrial Policy. A green and competitive private sector is key to achieving the transition to a low-carbon, circular, and climate-resilient economy, as well as to reaching the EU’s goal to be the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The European Green Deal is Europe’s growth strategy. Private enterprises must innovate net-zero technology and shift to resource-efficient circular practices and clean energy sources. They should seize green market opportunities stricter environmental rules and standards. Seizing green market opportunities is essential for gaining a competitive edge, and companies that succeed will have an advantage in the net- zero economy. The private sector has the potential to drive the green and digital transitions of the economy by developing and bringing innovative solutions to the market. However, the level of innovation varies across Europe. for growth and adapt their business models to meet

Areas of support

Programme area specifics

products, services, and processes, and to prepare for placing these innovations on the market. Investments in and applications of innovative technologies and solutions will also be supported. supported in participating in the green and blue economy, including through mentoring and capacity building. Improving private enterprises’ knowledge, skills, and capacity will also be a priority. This may include support to innovation ecosystems, including business cluster cooperation, incubator and accelerator services, stronger sustainability management and reporting for businesses, and other activities Start-ups and female entrepreneurs will be that can increase innovation and sustainable growth in the business sector. Feasibility studies, market analysis to prepare new investments, and upscaling are also included. It is also an aim to contribute to sustainable value chains.

• Development and placing on the market of green or blue technologies, products, processes, and services. • Investments in and application of green or blue technologies, products, processes, and services. • Promotion of start-ups and female entrepreneurs in the blue or green economy. • Improving business skills and fostering entrepreneurial mindsets.

• The programme area shall allocate at least 60% of funding to small and medium- sized enterprises. • Small and medium-sized enterprises (as defined by the EU), and large enterprises with less than 25% public ownership, shall be the main recipients of support under this programme area. • When necessary to fulfil the programme objectives, also non-commercial and not-for- profit organisations (including clusters and business associations) and public entities can apply for support for ‘soft measure’ activities. • Measures to promote digitalisation and gender equality shall be included in all programmes. • Projects with bilateral partnerships shall be given priority.

How the objective will be addressed

This programme area shall contribute to harnessing the growth potential that derives from the European Green Deal for land-based and maritime enterprises to promote a sustainable green and blue economy. The programme area will foster value creation through environmentally sustainable practices. It will contribute to mitigating and adapting to climate change and to ensuring a transition to a resource- efficient circular economy. To promote enabling and emerging technologies, private enterprises will be supported to develop innovative technology,

Key actors and beneficiaries

Private enterprises are the key actors and beneficiaries of this programme area.

Research and Innovation

Programme area objective Enhanced excellence in research and research- based innovation, strengthening the foundations for the green and digital transitions, democracy, rule of law, human rights, social inclusion and resilience.

Rationale for the support

Areas of support

Research and innovation strengthen value creation and competitiveness, and build knowledge and capacity to solve societal challenges and support democratic values and principles. Research and innovation have a key role to play in addressing systemic and lasting challenges that put a strain on citizens and communities in Europe. Examples include climate change and environmental degradation, security threats, health issues and well-being, changes in working life and the labour market, rapid technological change, and disinformation. Research and innovation are key to strengthening the understanding of these complex societal challenges and to helping address them by developing innovative responses to further the green transition and enhance resilience, social cohesion, inclusive growth, green jobs, democracy and active citizen participation, and the well-being of citizens in Europe. The support contributes to addressing the gap in research and development in Europe.

• Cooperation on research and research-based innovation. • Informing evidence-based policymaking on societal challenges. • Engaging citizens in science. • Overcoming barriers for the career progression of women and early-stage researchers. • Strengthening the research and innovation ecosystem, such as research administration, communication of research, and open science.

How the objective will be addressed

The programme area will build research and innovation capacity in the Beneficiary States, increasing their participation in the EU framework programme for research and innovation, for example by fostering synergies and complementarities with the framework programme and the EU Missions. The programme area will contribute to the aim of a single market for research, innovation and technology in Europe (the European Research Area). The programme area will support basic research and applied research focusing on the green transition, climate,

Programme area specifics

energy and the environment; the digital transition, including cybersecurity; a competitive and sustainable economy; health; and resilient, socially inclusive and democratic societies. Research within the social sciences and humanities, as well as cooperation across disciplines and sectors, is encouraged. The programme area will foster the integration of research, education and innovation. Support for researchers’ careers, especially women and young researchers, will take heed of the new Charter for Researchers. The engagement of citizens, including NGOs, in research and research-related activities will be encouraged to increase the impact of research and innovation. This will strengthen the understanding of democracy, building on scientific knowledge. By contributing to evidence-based decision-making and policy development, the programme area will benefit policymakers, stakeholders, and society at large. Emphasis will be placed on strengthening the research and innovation ecosystem,

for example by supporting advances towards open science, fostering FAIR data practices to enhance the transparency and reusability of data, safeguarding scientific activities against misuse, and enhancing the skills of research administrators. Safeguarding fundamental principles and values in research and innovation, such as research ethics and integrity, academic freedom, and open science, in line with the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe and the Bonn Declaration on Freedom of Scientific Research, is crucial. This encompasses ethical and human rights dimensions of new technology, including artificial intelligence.

• Partnerships between Donor State and Beneficiary State entities are mandatory in all research projects unless otherwise stipulated in the programme agreement. • The project selection and management under the programme area will be aligned with the principles of the EU framework programme for research and innovation as far as possible.

This includes provisions on gender equality, non- discrimination and open science.

• The minimum duration of all research projects will be 36 months unless otherwise stipulated in the programme agreement.

Key actors and beneficiaries

Researchers in research organisations and companies are key actors in achieving the programme area objective. The engagement of citizens, non- governmental organisations, public authorities and policymakers is also vital. The public at large is the end beneficiary.

Education, Training and Youth Employment

Programme area objective Enhanced quality, access and relevance of education and training for the green and digital transitions, human rights, democracy and youth employment.

Rationale for the support

Areas of support

Quality education and training are fundamental to the well- being of individuals and their personal development and lay the ground for active citizenship and democratic culture. Lifelong access to education and training supports the employability and professional development of individuals. Access to education, training and apprenticeship adapted to young people’s needs is key to a successful transition from school to work. Quality education, training, reskilling and upskilling are crucial to achieving the green and digital transitions, remedying labour shortages, bridging the skills gap, and addressing the ongoing transformation of jobs due to technological development. Quality education and training fuel research, innovation, and social and economic development, as well as competitiveness.

• Innovative approaches in formal and non-formal education and training. • Capacity building to enhance youth employability. • Professional development

of teachers, educators, trainers, school leaders and administrative staff in education.

How the objective will be addressed

may include interventions at institutional as well as national levels. Cross-sectorial collaboration is encouraged. Rather than addressing the areas of support broadly, each programme will focus on specific challenges or gaps to make an impact on institutional capacity and learning communities in the Donor and Beneficiary States. An important aim is to strengthen the participation of the Donor and Beneficiary States in the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport and in the European Education Area, as well as to achieve synergies with European funding.

governmental organisations, are encouraged. The end beneficiaries are pupils, students, teachers, and other staff at all levels of education and training, as well as enterprises and employees. Specific attention will be given to persons in vulnerable situations.

The programme area aims to strengthen the knowledge, skills and attitudes learners need to participate in the green transition, promoting increased understanding of global societal challenges and their interconnectedness. Enhanced digital capacity will be supported, as well as the strengthening of transversal skills that enhance civic competences and democratic participation such as creativity, critical thinking, media, and digital literacy. Empowering learners to build a universal culture of human rights and equipping them with skills to combat disinformation will be emphasised. Emphasis will also be placed on increased cooperation with the labour market to enhance the relevance of education and training and support youth employability. The programme area will build the capacity of teachers, trainers, school leaders and administrative staff at all levels of education. Programmes may address both formal and non-formal education and training and

Programme area specifics

• Partnerships between Donor State entities and Beneficiary State entities are mandatory in all projects, unless otherwise stipulated in the programme agreement. • All programmes shall promote inclusion and diversity, including gender equality. • The practice of financing and management under the programme area will be aligned with the principles of the EU framework programme for education, training, youth and sport as far as possible. • Student and staff mobility and exchanges may be embedded in institutional cooperation projects. Individual mobility outside the context of institutional cooperation will not be supported.

Key actors and beneficiaries

Key actors are educational institutions, school providers and institutions involved in decision-making and public policy, at all levels, addressing both formal and non-formal education, training and youth employment. Partnerships with industry and organisations, both in the private and public sectors, including international organisations, civil society organisations, and non-

Culture

Programme area objective Increased participation, sustainability and diversity in arts, culture and cultural heritage.

Rationale for the support

raising awareness, increasing knowledge and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. With the right skills in place, the digital transition offers new prospects in accessibility and outreach, and serves to strengthen the management and revitalisation of cultural heritage. Culture and cultural heritage offer a wide scope of opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

Culture is a global public good that has an intrinsic value and drives sustainable development and social cohesion. Arts and culture are important parts of the democratic infrastructure as venues for freedom of expression and critical reflection, fostering dialogue, and respect for diversity. Cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, is a valuable source of knowledge and resilience. It also serves as a resource for the vitality and shared prosperity of local communities. Broad participation in cultural life enhances social cohesion and contributes to informed, engaged and democratic societies. Such societies are more resistant to threats from disinformation, hate speech and extremism. Inequalities in cultural participation and restrictions on artistic expression undermine these benefits and need to be addressed. Increasing threats from climate change call for adaptation measures and for the safeguarding of cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. At the same time, culture and cultural heritage can be drivers of the green transition by

Areas of support

• Cultural and artistic creation and cooperation, capacity building, outreach and exchange, with specific regard to cultural diversity. • Sustainable restoration, revitalisation, and management of cultural heritage.

How the objective will be addressed

cultural heritage monuments, sites and environments will include climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. To improve access to cultural heritage, the programme area will support documentation and accessible presentation, outreach, awareness raising and training, including in traditional craftsmanship, making use of digital technologies. Revitalisation of cultural heritage will contribute to sustainable development through enhanced skills and knowledge, and by generating local revenue. A participatory approach will ensure relevance and that benefits are shared across the community. participation, and to help pool competences needed to respond to challenges, the programme area will encourage multi-stakeholder partnerships across sectors and disciplines, involving, among others, the education sector. To ensure outreach and inclusive and active

the field of arts, culture, and cultural heritage, independent cultural actors, and civil society organisations are the main implementing actors. The end beneficiaries are the general public, with a focus on people with limited access to culture, minorities, and persons in vulnerable situations.

The programme area will promote the freedom of cultural expression through artistic and cultural creation, exchange and mobility. To increase participation, this will be coupled with support for outreach, capacity building and community engagement, including through cultural education. The programme area will support measures that ensure human rights, cultural diversity, and the participation and cultural self-expression of women, minorities, and persons in vulnerable situations and from disadvantaged areas. The programme area will support the green and digital transitions of the arts and culture sector through capacity building and networking, as well as through joint cultural programming. To create conditions for socially, economically and environmentally sustainable cultural heritage management, this programme area will support capacity building, research, monitoring and risk analysis.

Programme area specifics

• All programmes shall include cooperation between Donor and Beneficiary States. • Investment in infrastructure and equipment (hard measures) shall only be supported alongside capacity building, training, or experience sharing (soft measures). • The maximum level of funding for investment in infrastructure and equipment of understanding or, exceptionally, in the programme agreement. • All programmes shall allocate funds to strengthen the independent cultural sector. (hard measures) shall be set in the memorandum

Key actors and beneficiaries

Support for the restoration, revitalisation and reuse of

Public and private entities and academic institutions in

Local Development, Good Governance and Inclusion

Programme area objective

Rationale for the support

Areas of support

Shifts in the global economy, climate change, the green and digital transitions, migration patterns, pressure on democracy, and demographic trends are major interdependent challenges impacting European communities. European regions are gradually catching up, but many still struggle and are ill-equipped to reap the benefits of the green and digital transitions. Investments and innovation are increasingly concentrated in metropolitan areas, and the economic downturn has exacerbated existing economic, social, and territorial disparities. More than a fifth of the population in the EU is considered at risk of poverty or social exclusion, with women, immigrants, refugees, Roma, and other disadvantaged groups disproportionately affected. Local and regional actors manage approximately half of European public investments, including the largest share of climate action. Sustainable local and regional development is hence the cornerstone of national socio-economic development, building resilience, diversity, prosperity, and democracy in a green and digital Europe.

• Local investments in the green transition, climate action, environmental sustainability, resilience, social development and inclusion, employment, and the digital transition. • Local institutional development and public governance. • Local democracy, local and community media, information integrity, and open local government. • Socio-economic inclusion promoting equality, non- discrimination, diversity, and active participation of disadvantaged communities. • Networking and policy exchanges between municipalities, and with civil society and the central government.

More resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities.

How the objective will be addressed

Programme area specifics

Focus is placed on holistic multi-sectoral methods supporting structural change, piloting novel approaches, enhancing existing initiatives and services, and improving access to, and use of, other sources of funding.

Integrated, territorial, socio- economic development premised on local democracy, gender equality and human rights is key to achieving the programme area objective. Good governance should prescribe the necessary political and institutional processes and support improvements in public administration governance arrangements and capacity for policy design, implementation, and evaluation practices. Capacity building of local authorities and stakeholders is highlighted, improving governance mechanisms, fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, intermunicipal territorial cooperation, community-led local development, inclusion, integration, effective local democracy, and place-based approaches. The objective is for local and regional authorities to better exploit their potential, aligning local development with EU objectives, aligning national and local priorities, and ensuring that investments are used to respond to citizens’ needs.

• All programmes shall include cooperation between Donor and Beneficiary States. • Investment in infrastructure and equipment (hard measures) shall only be supported alongside capacity building, training, or experience sharing (soft measures). • The maximum level of funding for investment in infrastructure and equipment of understanding or, exceptionally, in the programme agreement. • All programmes shall include (hard measures) shall be set in the memorandum capacity building to support good governance at the local level. • A gender perspective shall be integrated into the design and implementation of all programmes.

Key actors and beneficiaries

Local and regional authorities are crucial to achieving the programme area objective. The principle of partnership is the cornerstone, building on multi-level governance and ensuring the involvement of other key actors such as local communities, national authorities, civil society, economic and social partners, and academia. Special emphasis is placed on disadvantaged areas and groups. Donor partners and international organisations can be valuable partners.

Roma Inclusion and Empowerment

Programme area objective Enhanced inclusion and empowerment of Roma.

Rationale for the support

Areas of support

Roma are Europe’s largest and most discriminated

• Combating antigypsyism and all forms of discrimination. • Integrated measures at local level targeting social service provision and innovative pilot projects. • Capacity building for Roma and pro-Roma civil society organisations, particularly at the grassroots level. • Empowerment of Roma, in particular Roma women, children, and youth. • Data collection, analysis, monitoring and evaluation for use in policymaking. How the objective will be addressed This programme area will apply a human rights- based approach, including participatory approaches that involve Roma in all stages of the programme cycle. All measures should uphold international and European human rights standards and the EU’s 10 Common Basic Principles on Roma Inclusion. Actively tackling antigypsyism is key to overcoming discrimination and marginalisation of Roma. This can be done through promoting inclusive public institutions and policies, Roma identity, culture, history, and language. Working

minority. Roma populations are disproportionately affected by structural and systemic racism and human rights violations. This further exacerbates their social and economic marginalisation. The EU Roma Strategic Framework 2020-2030 focuses on principles of equality, inclusion and participation. It addresses socio-economic inclusion in the areas of education, employment, health and housing. EU Member States have developed national Roma strategic frameworks as well as anti-racism action plans. The programme area can support and complement the implementation of these national strategies and action plans.

Programme area specifics

with majority populations is key to changing attitudes, combatting stereotypes and hate speech, and targeting public institutions. Roma-led initiatives are particularly encouraged. An intersectional approach should be applied, taking into consideration that Roma might experience multiple forms of discrimination at once based on ethnicity together with, for example age, class, gender and sexual orientation. Integrated approaches to social inclusion should holistically interconnect education and training, employment, housing, health, and non- discrimination. Innovative pilot projects that can be upscaled and replicated, for example in access to housing and addressing the negative impacts of environmental issues on Roma, are encouraged. Measures should promote, where possible, desegregation and prevent reinforcement of segregation. Geographical targeting of support to municipalities and regions with marginalised Roma communities should be considered. Empowerment of Roma can be addressed through life skills development, building confidence to advocate for

rights and play an active part in community-based initiatives, as well as through positive role models. In particular for the empowerment of Roma youth, focus should be placed on building up the next generation of Roma leaders. Interventions may also address environmental justice and the intersection between public health and safety concerns linked to environmental and climate change impacts, and the social exclusion faced by Roma.

• A participatory approach shall be applied throughout the programme cycle. This includes consultation with key Roma and pro- Roma stakeholders in the development of programmes and calls. • All programmes shall include capacity building measures for Roma civil society organisations. • Investment in infrastructure and equipment (hard measures) shall only be supported alongside capacity building, training, or experience sharing (soft measures). • The maximum level of funding for investment in infrastructure and equipment

Key actors and beneficiaries

Regional and local authorities and Roma and pro-Roma civil society are key actors. Partnerships with public authorities and local action groups are encouraged. Non- Roma and majority populations should also be targeted. International organisations with competence in Roma inclusion and empowerment can be useful partners. Roma and Roma communities are the primary end beneficiaries.

(hard measures) shall be set in the memorandum of understanding or, exceptionally, in the programme agreement.

Public Health

Programme area objective More resilient and inclusive public health systems.

Rationale for the support

has accelerated the already alarming levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Finally, climate change and economic challenges continue to affect the social determinants of health and overall healthcare funding. This has a negative impact on the resilience of health systems, health equity, and outcomes.

Well-functioning public health systems are a precondition for economic and social cohesion. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragility of national health systems and exacerbated existing structural challenges. It underscored the urgent need to address health security gaps and strengthen preparedness for health emergencies. Despite unparalleled EU financial support in the health area, including through the European Health Union and the EU4Health Programme 2021- 2027, many health systems still struggle to provide sustainable healthcare, and inequalities in life expectancy and the burden of diseases remain. Widening regional disparities in access to healthcare exist both within and between countries, and gender inequalities in health persist. Health inequality is shown to reduce economic and social productivity and lead to higher healthcare and welfare costs. COVID-19 triggered a significant especially among children and youth, calling for more integrated and innovative approaches to policy and service delivery. Furthermore, a spike in antibiotic use during the pandemic increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression,

Areas of support

• Public health systems development, including health emergency preparedness, community-based healthcare, and access to primary healthcare. • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). • Mental health and the promotion of mental well- being and healthy lifestyles, with a focus on children and youth. • Women’s health, including through promoting universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, and responses to domestic and gender-based violence. • Capacity building and patient involvement with a focus on strengthening patient rights.

How the objective will be addressed

Key actors and beneficiaries

Programme area specifics

A human rights-based approach to health is central to achieving the programme area objective and should guide all health programming. This approach provides a set of clear principles for designing and assessing policy and health service delivery. It targets discriminatory practices and unjust power relations at the core of unequal health outcomes. In this context, integrating a gender perspective into the design, implementation and evaluation of programmes is important to promote equality. As the principal agents of structural change, government agencies, public health institutions, hospitals, and local authorities are key to achieving the programme area objective.

Patients’ associations, civil society, academia, and organisations of healthcare professionals are important partners, with Donor partners providing specialised support in programme and project development and implementation. Coordination and cooperation with international organisations can add value to the activities supported. Health programmes will benefit diverse groups of people, placing special emphasis on disadvantaged areas and groups, including women and girls, children and youth, LGBTIQ+ persons, and Roma.

(hard measures) shall be set in the memorandum of understanding or, exceptionally, in the programme agreement.

• All programmes must include projects addressing women’s health.

Disaster Prevention and Preparedness

Programme area objective Improved disaster resilience.

Rationale for the support

It will contribute to improving disaster resilience in line with national strategies, EU Disaster Resilience Goals and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015- 2030), as well as international standards established by intergovernmental organisations.

Most European countries are vulnerable to disasters arising from climate change, urbanisation, demographic pressure, intensive land use, or infrastructure being located in areas that are prone to flooding, droughts, heatwaves, fire, or earthquakes. They are also becoming susceptible to emerging risks related to the accelerated introduction of new technologies, the green transition, geopolitical tension and conflict, and the consequences of war in Europe. Socially deprived and densely populated areas are particularly at risk, with women and girls and disadvantaged groups disproportionally affected. of Beneficiary States in analysing emerging vulnerabilities and hazards, enhancing disaster prevention, promoting risk awareness, upgrading civil preparedness, and strengthening crisis management anticipation and adaptation mechanisms. The programme area aims to increase the capacities

Areas of support

• Risk and vulnerability competence and capacity building at national, regional or local level. • Prevention of risks and vulnerabilities, including in relation to new technologies and the green transition. • Disaster resilience in all sectors and at all levels of society. • Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) safety and security. • International and cross- border cooperation, learning and development, including effective risk management implementation. • Gender- and youth-sensitive disaster risk management.

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