Policy background
Norway is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement together with Iceland and Liechtenstein. Association of Norway to the EU’s research and innovation framework programmes takes place through an amendment to Protocol 31 of the EEA agreement. Since the agreement entered into force in 1994, Norway has participated in the framework programmes as an Associated Country. Together with Iceland, it was the first non-EU country to become associated to Horizon 2020 in 2014.
Norway and Iceland also became the first countries to be associated to Horizon Europe in September 2021, with an effect from the start of the Programme.
These countries see association as a gateway to an excellent international cooperation in science, research and innovation, focusing on common priorities: the twin green and digital transitions, public health and Europe’s competitiveness in the global landscape. Joint efforts will aim to address environmental problems in the Arctic, develop hydrogen and carbon capture technologies, boost data-driven innovation, and more.
Funding opportunities
Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation with a budget of €95.5 billion available over 7 years (2021 to 2027).
Projects and results
Research project database (CORDIS)
The Commission's primary portal for results of EU-funded research projects. Here you can find International cooperation projects related to Norway.
Project success stories
Stories of particularly successful EU-funded research projects involving Norway.
Examples of international cooperation projects
- GoJelly (2018-2021) tests and promotes a gelatinous solution to microplastic pollution by developing a microplastics filter made of jellyfish mucus. Studies have shown that jellyfish mucus can bind microplastics. The project results should lead to less ecologically destructive sea and coastal pollution by both jellyfish and microplastics as well as more jobs for commercial fishers in off-seasons to harvest the jellyfish.
- SHAPE-ENERGY (2017-2019) aims to develop Europe’s expertise in using and applying energy by bringing together different research communities from energy-related social sciences and humanities research (energy-SSH). The multidisciplinary approach developed novel guidance for policymakers, businesses and citizens and contributes to the EU Strategic Energy Technology Plan, which aims to accelerate the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies.
- INTAROS (2016-2021), coordinated by the Norwegian Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (NERSC), is developing an integrated Arctic Observation System to extend, improve and unify existing systems in different regions of the Arctic. Merging Artic observation systems into a unified network will help to determine what the current changes of the Arctic environment, such as increased air and water temperature, are and what can be done about them. INTAROS, together with seven other H2020 projects, is part of the EU Arctic Research Cluster coordinated by EU PolarNet. The objective is to create synergies among projects and to increase their impacts.
Contact
National Contact Points
The National Contact Points (NCPs) provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in Horizon Europe.
European Commission
RTD-03-ASSIST
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (DG Research and Innovation unit 03: International cooperation)