VILNIUS - Norway will grant over 200 million litas (58 million euros) to Lithuania over the next five years, mainly to fund the country's healthcare system, cultural heritage projects and child support. The financial agreement was put in writing last month, when former Finance Minister Algirdas Butkevicius and Secretary of Norway's Foreign Ministry Kim Traavik signed a minutes of understanding in Oslo on the implementation of European Economic Space funds.
Based on the bilateral EES financial mechanism, in 2004-2009 Lithuania will receive 27 million euros, and under Norway's financial mechanism 's 40.3 million euros.
These resources will be used for the preservation of cultural heritage, restoration of wooden architecture, education and training, healthcare, renovation of foster homes, combatting international organized crime, and for support in other needy areas.
Upon acceding the European Union, Lithuania also entered the European Economic Space. In addition to the Baltic state, the EES embraces Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, which together form a common market.
By underwriting the agreement on accession to the European Economic Space in October 2003, Lithuania gained access to the market's multilateral financial mechanism. The country also joined the Norwegian bilateral financial mechanism under this economic treaty. The two so-called funds primarily serve to support EU new member states.
The invitation to apply for support under the EES and Norwegian financial mechanisms is scheduled for announcement in June.
