The Cooperation Programme with countries in the Western Balkans

Participation
Seventeen projects receive long-term funding (2006-2009) through the programme.

At the moment, there are no available funding opportunities for new projects. New possibilities for receiving financial support through the programme will be announced in due time.

Main objectives
The overall objective of the Cooperation Programme with the Western Balkans is, through collaboration with countries in the Western Balkans, to contribute to euroatlantic integration and cooperation in order to foster stability and democratic development in the respective countries and in the region as a whole. Projects funded by the programme shall contribute to improving competence and capacity at research institutions and institutions of higher education in the Western Balkans.

Prioritised areas
Geographical priorities

• Albania
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Croatia
• Macedonia
• Serbia
• Montenegro

Thematic priorities

• Good governance and democracy building
• Environmental protection, management of natural resources, and marine issues

Administrative and economic framework
The programme is administered on behalf of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in cooperation between the Research Council of Norway and SIU.

The Research Council and SIU have named a Programme Board responsible for the coordination of the programme. The board has the authority to decide which project proposals are to receive financial support.

The annual allocation to the programme is NOK 15 million.