On the 15^th of April 2015, Mr. Vidar Helgesen visited Romania and met with the Prime Minister and other government officials. Projects financed within the EEA Grants and Norway Grants were also visited.

During the discussions with the Prime Minister of Romania and other Romanian officials Mr. Helgesen reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to contribute to the social and economic development of Romania. He also pointed out that the two countries have excellent relationships which are reinforced by the EEA Grants and the Norway Grants.

Romania receives EUR 306 million through the EEA Grants & Norway Grants. The funding, in the amount of EUR 306 million for the period until 2016, is allocated to support 22 programs in areas such as justice and home affairs, environment, research, health, culture, civil society and improving the social conditions for Roma population.

Romania faces considerable challenges in the area of social inclusion and poverty. According to Eurostat, 40% of the population, or nearly 9 million people are living in poverty. One of the most vulnerable groups exposed to both poverty and exclusion is the Roma population. That is why some of the funding, about EUR 60 million, are used to improve the living conditions of the most disadvantaged groups. The projects implemented across the country will facilitate their access to education, primary health care and social services. In parallel, concrete measures are developed for a wide support in order to disseminate successful initiatives and models nationwide.

Strengthening the cooperation agreement between Romania and Norway is one of the fundamental objectives of the grants. The Norwegian institutions, NGOs and the state institutions are active participants in the Grants.