The Directorate General for European Programmes, Coordination and Development is the National Focal Point for the implementation of the European Economic Area (EEA) Grants and the Norway Grants 2009-2014, according to paragraph 4 of article 4.3 "National Focal Point" of the Regulations on the Implementation of the European Economic Area and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms 2009-2014. Objectives of the EEA and Norway Grants 2009-2014 for Cyprus
Over 50% of the funding for Cyprus is allocated to support for civil society. An NGO Fund worth €1,3 million is to be established under the EEA Grants, of which almost one-third is earmarked for bi-communal projects to promote dialogue and cooperation between the two communities in Cyprus. A further €600.000 under the Norway Grants will support the continued development and sustainability of activities of the Home for Cooperation. This centre, set up with fundng support from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway in the Buffer Zone in Nicosia, was opened in May 2011. It aims to foster closer cooperation and promote dialogue between civil society groups from the two communities. The Norway Grants will also fund a new programme to tackle domestic and gender-based violence. This will provide funding for a new purpose-built shelter for battered women and children. Environmental protection also continues as an important priority sector. All funding in this area is to be channelled through a dedicated biodiversity protection programme aiming to restore natural habitats and landscapes at the Amiantos Asbestos Mine in Troodos National Forest Park. Improving public health and reducing health inequalities will be an equally significant sector under the Norway Grants. Funding will be targeted on specific projects to enhance the capacity of the Cypriot Bone Marrow Donor Registry at the Karaiskakio Foundation and establish a translational facility at the Institute of Neurology and Genetics. This will provide support to improve efficiency in detecting and combating money laundering. A programme focusing on children and youth at risk under the EEA Grants will support a new Day Care Centre for children and young people with mental and physical disabilities. Support will also continue for cultural heritage. A new feature is funding worth €40.000 to be invested in decent work and improved dialogue between social partners and public authorities in a programme run by Innovation Norway. As in the previous programme period of 2004-2009, a significant part of the assistance will be used in order to foster bi-communal cooperation. As a result, in addition to the assistance mentioned above on civil society, a number of the other pre-defined projects will also contribute to this area.
