Areas of support

Fund for Bilateral Relations

A special fund for bilateral relations has been set up under the EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021 to directly support bilateral cooperation. The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial support to institutions in the Slovak Republic and the donor states in initiatives that enable mutual exchange of experience and strengthening bilateral cooperation which is one of the two main objectives of the EEA and Norway Grants.

The financial allocation of the Fund for Bilateral Relations under the Business Development, Innovation and SMEs Programme is 150,000 EUR. The implementation of the Fund envisages open calls for applicants as well as predefined initiatives with significant potential for strengthening bilateral relations between the Slovak Republic and the donor states (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). Part of the allocation will also be used by the Programme Operator to achieve objectives and promote bilateral cooperation.

In the framework of the Fund for Bilateral Relations, it will be possible to apply for a grant for activities that will by their nature contribute to the development of bilateral cooperation (such as seminars, workshops, conferences, study tours, studies and data collection, information activities, etc.).

Further information on the possibilities of receiving a financial support from the Fund for Bilateral Relations of the Business Development, Innovation and SMEs Programme will be continuously published.

Information on the Fund for Bilateral Relations under individual programmes implemented in Slovakia is also available on the website of the National Focal Point for EEA Grants and Norway (https://www.eeagrants.sk/en/programs/fund-for-bilateral-relations/).

Calls from the Fund for Bilateral Relations

BIN BF01- Travel grants under the Fund for Bilateral Relations, Call closure: 31-12-2020

BIN BF02 - Call for proposals for Bilateral Initiatives under Education Component, Call closure: 31-12-2023

BIN BF03 - Call for Proposals for Bilateral Initiatives , Call closure: 31-12-2022

BIN BF04 - Call for Proposals for Bilateral Initiatives , Call closure: 30-06-2024

Documents

Education, Schollarships, Apprenticeships and Youth Entrepreneurship

The education part of the programme shall strengthen the institutional cooperation and to encourage international mobility between higher education institutions (HEIs), upper-secondary schools and enterprises in Slovakia and the Donor states (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). The goal is to enhance both the quality and relevance of education and training in Slovakia, mainly in two focus areas: 1. Green Industry Innovation and 2. Welfare and Ambient Assisted Living technologies. The objective of the programme area “Education, Scholarships, Apprenticeships and Youth Entrepreneurship” is enhanced human capital and knowledge base in Slovakia.

There is € 3.5 million allocated for the education part of the programme, which will be redistributed trough a Small Grant Schemes (SGS). The target groups are individuals, institutions, students and teachers of secondary and higher education institutions (including young scientists) involved in the projects of international mobility and institutional cooperation.

The project partner search, preparation of a project application with partners from donor countries, and partnerships development is supported by the Call for proposals for Bilateral Initiatives under Education Component (BIN BF02) under the Fund for Bilateral relations.

Planned calls under the Education component:

1. Call BIN SGS 02 - institutional cooperation projects

Strengthening institutional cooperation between higher education institutions, upper-secondary schools and enterprises in Slovakia and Norway.

Examples of activities:

integration of new technologies in education and training (new models of teaching/training) at all levels,
engagement in curriculum development and development of joint programmes and degrees,
development of strategic partnerships with private enterprises,
strengthening of cooperation between organizations with a view to facilitate knowledge exchanges and share innovative solutions for recruiting young people to studies, work or entrepreneurships (including public awareness-raising campaigns),
set up of training courses for teachers and trainers, staff exchanges and job-shadowing, and others.

Planned launch	Financial allocation	Min-max grant	Cofinancing
30 Nov 2021	2 470 588 €	5 000 € / 200 000 €	up to 100%
Planned Closure	Eligible applicants	Eligible partners	Priority target group:
28 Feb 2022	Universities and secondary schools	Universities and secondary schools in Slovakia and Norway Enterprises established as legal entities in Slovakia or Norway	Young enterpreneurs + women enterpreneurs

Condition – implementation of the project with the partner from Norway

2. Call BIN SGS 03 - international mobility projects

Support of international mobility between higher education institutions (HEIs), upper-secondary schools and enterprises in Slovakia and the Donor states (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).