On 28 October 2025, Lisbon hosted the launch of the new funding cycle of the EEA Grants. The European Economic Area Financial Mechanism 2021–2028 (EEA FM 2021–2028) marks the beginningt of a new chapter in cooperation between Portugal, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, consolidating a solid partnership of more than 30 years, grounded in shared values such as Democracy, Freedom, and Human Rights.
Organised by the National Focal Point, in coordination with the Norwegian Embassy in Lisbon, the ceremony brought together government representatives from Portugal, Norway, and Iceland, as well as national and international partners.
The opening session was led by Maria Mineiro, Head of the National Focal Point, who highlighted the positive impact of the Financial Mechanisms over the years, emphasising their decisive contributions to business competitiveness and innovation, the promotion of the circular economy, the preservation of coastal cultural heritage, and equal opportunities. Ragna Fidjestøl, Manging Director of the Financial Mechanism Office, also participated in the opening, highlighting the main priorities of this new funding period.
The event featured active participation from Program Operators and Partners, who reaffirmed their joint commitment to priority areas such as Blue Growth, Green Transition, combating Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, and Culture. The programme also included a reflection on the role of the EEA Grants in European integration, in a panel featuring the Secretary of State for European Affairs, Inês Domingos, the Norwegian Ambassador to Portugal, Hanne Brusletto, and the Icelandic Ambassador, María Jónsdóttir.
The closing remarks were delivered by Hélder Reis, Secretary of State for Planning and Regional Development, who highlighted the value of partnerships between Portugal, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, essential for strengthening bilateral relations and advancing toward a greener, more competitive, and resilient Europe.
The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Minister for Justice, Gonçalo da Cunha Pires, the Deputy Minister for Youth and for Equality, Carla Rodrigues, the Secretary of State for Environment, João Manuel Esteves, and the Secretary of State for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Salvador Malheiro, all of whom joined to mark the opening of the new Financial Mechanism.