Communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs No 19 / 2026 Coll.
Communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the negotiation of a Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation of the EEA Financial Mechanism for the period 2021-2028 between the Czech Republic and the Republic of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway
Valid
International Treaty
Effective from 05.11.2025
Text versions:
16.02.2026
19
Communication
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
on the negotiation of the Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation of the EEA Financial Mechanism for the period 2021-2028 between the Czech Republic and the Republic of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces that on 4 November 2025 the Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation of the EEA Financial Mechanism for the period 2021-2028 between the Czech Republic and the Republic of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway was signed in Prague on 4 November 2025.
The Memorandum entered into force on 5 November 2025 on the basis of Article 13 and entered into force on that date for the Czech Republic.
The English version of the Memorandum and its translation into the Czech language are announced simultaneously.
Minister:
v z. Mgr. Šlais v. r.
Head of Legal and Consular Section
Příloha č. 1
Annex No 1
Translation of international contract into Czech language
Memorandum on Understanding on Implementation of the Ehp Financial Mechanism for the Period 2021-2028
between
Czech Republic
hereinafter referred to as the "Receiving State"
and
the Republic of Iceland,
The Principality of Liechtenstein
And the Kingdom of Norway,
hereinafter referred to as the "Donor States"
hereinafter jointly designated as "the Parties',
WHEREAS Protocol 38d to the EEA Agreement, incorporated into the EEA Agreement by means of the Agreement between the European Union, Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway on the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028, establishes a financing mechanism (hereinafter the "EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 ') to contribute to the reduction of economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area;
WHEREAS the objective of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 is to strengthen relations between the Donor States and the Receiving State for the mutual benefit of their citizens;
WHEREAS by Decision No 4 / 2024 / SC of the Standing Committee of the EFTA States of 24 October 2024, the Donor States gave the Financial Mechanism Committee established by Decision No 4 / 2004 / SC of 3 June 2004 a mandate to manage the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028;
WHEREAS strengthening cooperation between the Donor States and the Receiving State will contribute to ensuring a stable, peaceful and prosperous Europe based on good governance, democratic institutions, the rule of law, respect for human rights and sustainable development;
WHEREAS the Parties agree to establish a framework for cooperation to ensure the effective implementation of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028;
HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
Article 1
Objectives
1. The overall objectives of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 shall be to contribute to the reduction of economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area and to strengthen bilateral relations between the Donor States and the Receiving States through financial contributions to support the thematic priorities referred to in paragraph 2. Accordingly, the Parties to this Memorandum of Understanding shall select programmes to contribute to the achievement of these objectives.
2. Financial contributions will be made available to support the following thematic priorities:
(a) Europe's green transformation;
(b) democracy, the rule of law and human rights;
(c) social inclusion and resilience.
Article 2
Legal context
This Memorandum of Understanding will be interpreted together with the following documents, which together with this Memorandum of Understanding form the legal framework of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028:
(a) Protocol 38d to the EEA Agreement on the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028;
(b) Regulation on the implementation of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021- 2028 (hereinafter referred to as "the Regulation"), issued by the Donor States in accordance with Article 9.4 of Protocol 38d;
(c) agreements on programmes to be concluded for each programme; and
(d) any guidance adopted by the Financial Mechanism Committee in accordance with the Regulation.
Article 3
Financial framework
1. In accordance with Article 2: Protocol 38d shall amount to EUR 1 805 million in annual instalments of EUR 257,86 million during the period from 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2028 inclusive.
2. In accordance with Article 6 of Protocol 38d, a total amount of EUR 103 412 127 shall be granted to the beneficiary State during the period referred to in paragraph 1.
3. In accordance with Article 9.7 of Protocol 38d and Article 1.9 of the Regulation, the management costs of the Donor States shall be borne by the total amount indicated above. Further provisions for this purpose are laid down in the Regulation. The net allocation to be granted to the beneficiary State is EUR 96 173 278.
Article 4
Role and responsibilities
1. The Donor States shall make available the funds to support the eligible programmes proposed by the Accepting State and approved by the Committee on the Financial Mechanism within the framework of the thematic priorities referred to in Article 3.1 of Protocol 38d and the programme areas referred to in the Annex to Protocol 38d. The Donor States and the Receiving State shall cooperate in the preparation of proposals for programmes defining the scope and planned results for each programme.
2. The beneficiary State shall ensure full co-financing of programmes receiving support from the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 in accordance with Annex B and the Programme Agreements.
3. The beneficiary State shall ensure an appropriate environment without barriers for the implementation of the Civil Society Fund in the Accepting State and shall refrain from any measures that could prevent the Fund's Intermediaries from exercising their role independently.
4. The Financial Mechanism Committee will manage the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 and take decisions on the granting of financial assistance in accordance with the Regulation.
5. The Financial Mechanism Committee will be assisted by the Financial Mechanism Office (KFM). KFM will serve as a contact point for the Receiving State for the day-to-day functioning of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028.
Article 5
Determination of organs
The receiving State has authorised the National Contact Point to act on its behalf. The National Contact Point will be responsible overall for achieving the objectives of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 and for implementing the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 in the Receiving State in accordance with the Regulation. In accordance with Article 5.2 of the Regulation, the National Contact Point, the Certification Authority and the Audit Authority are set out in Annex A.
Article 6
Multiannual programming framework
1. In accordance with Article 2.5 of the Regulation, the Parties agree on an implementation framework consisting of the following financial and material parameters:
(a) the list of agreed programmes, the financial contribution from the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 and the beneficiary State;
(b) identification of programmes, their objectives / objectives, programme intermediaries, grant amounts and co-financing levels, bilateral aspects as well as any specific interests related to the implementation of programmes;
(c) conditions and / or specific interests at the level of the Receiving State related to target groups, geographical areas or other matters;
(d) identification of programme partners from the Donor States where possible;
(e) identification of international partner organisations where possible; and
(f) identification of pre-defined projects to be included in the relevant programmes.
2. The implementation framework is designed in Annex B.
Article 7
Funds for bilateral relations
In accordance with Article 4.6.1 of the Regulation, The beneficiary State shall allocate funds to strengthen bilateral relations between the Donor States and the Receiving State. The agreed amount is listed in Annex B and is allocated to bilateral relations funds at national and programme level. The National Contact Point shall manage the use of the Bilateral Relations Fund at national level and shall establish a Joint Committee on the Bilateral Fund in accordance with Article 4.9.1 of the Regulation. Programme intermediaries will manage the use of funds for bilateral relations allocated to their programme. For programmes in partnership with the Donor State, decisions on the use of funds for bilateral relations in the Programme will be taken in agreement between the Programme Intermediator and the programme partner (s) of the Donor State.
Article 8
National report
In accordance with Article 2.6 of the Regulation, the National Contact Point must submit annually to the FM Committee a National Report on the implementation of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 in the Receiving State. The national report shall be submitted to the FM Committee no later than 10 March of each year.
Article 9
Annual Session
An annual meeting between the FM Committee and the National Contact Point will be held in accordance with Article 2.7 of the Regulation. The annual meeting will allow the FM Committee and the National Contact Point to verify progress made during previous reporting periods, discuss risks and agree to take any necessary measures. The annual meeting shall provide a forum for discussion on issues of bilateral interest.
Article 10
The Annexes
1. Annexes A and B may be amended by means of an Exchange of Letters between the FM Committee and the National Contact Point.
2. Cumulative transfers of up to 10% of the total eligible expenditure of the Programme may be carried out between programmes without amending the Annexes to this Memorandum of Understanding, provided that the amendment has been approved by the FM Committee by amending the relevant programme agreements.
3. In addition, cost savings and amounts not allocated to projects may be transferred to bilateral relations funds without amending the Annexes to this Memorandum of Understanding or Approval by the FM Committee, provided that the transfer has been consulted in advance by the Cooperation Committee of the relevant programme. No such transfer of funds from the Programme shall affect the objectives or results of the Programme. The national contact point shall immediately notify the FM Committee of such transfers and the FM Committee shall update the relevant programme agreements and bilateral funds agreement, if relevant.
4. No transfers made in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 shall affect any specific interests, conditions, objectives or other priorities set out in this Memorandum of Understanding and shall comply with the provisions of the legal framework.
Article 11
Control and access to information
The Committee of Financial Mechanisms, the Board of EFTA Auditors and their representatives shall have the right to carry out any technical or financial visits or reviews they consider necessary for the planning, implementation and monitoring of programmes and projects, as well as the use of funds. The beneficiary State shall provide all necessary assistance, information and documentation.
Article 12
Principles of procedure
1. The implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding will be governed in all respects by the Regulation and its subsequent amendments.
2. The objectives of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 will be achieved within the framework of close cooperation between the Donor States and the Receiving State, while respecting the common values and principles of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of members of minorities. The Parties agree to pay the utmost attention to transparency, accountability and cost-effectiveness, as well as to principles of good governance, partnership and multi-level governance, sustainable development, gender equality and non-discrimination in all implementation phases of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028.
3. All programmes and activities financed by the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 must comply with these values and principles and refrain from supporting operations that would violate them. Their implementation shall comply with the fundamental rights and obligations enshrined in the relevant instruments and standards.
4. The beneficiary State shall take proactive action to ensure compliance with these values and principles at all levels of implementation of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028.
Article 13
Entry into force
This Memorandum of Understanding shall enter into force on the day following the date of its last signature.
This Memorandum of Understanding is drawn up in four originals in English.
Signed in Prague on 4 November 2025 Signed in Prague on 4 November 2025 For the Czech Republic For Iceland Tomáš Holub v. r.Ágpum Már Ágústsson v. r.s Deputy Minister of Finance of the Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Iceland to the Federal Republic of Germany Signed in Prague on 4 November 2025 For the Principality of Liechtenstein Simon Biedermann v. r. ambassador to the Principality of Liechtenstein in the Czech Republic Signed in Prague on 4 November 2025 For the Kingdom of Norway Astrid Bergmål v. r.State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PŘÍLOHA A
Annex A
Management and control structures at national level
1. National Contact Point
The Department of National Coordination of Financial Mechanisms, which is part of the Department of International Relations at the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic, will act as a National Contact Point. Head of the National Contact Point will be the Director of the Department of International Relations.
The Department of National Coordination of Financial Mechanisms is directly subordinate to the Director of the Department of International Relations. The Department of International Relations, within the European Union section and international relations at the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic, is directly under the authority of the Head of the European Union section and international relations.
The roles and responsibilities of the National Contact Point are laid down in the Regulation, in particular Article 5.3. In cases where the National Contact Point and the Programme Intermediate are part of the same institution, their respective roles and responsibilities shall be exercised by different departments within the institution to ensure appropriate separation of roles.
2. Certification Body
The Department of EEA / Norwegian FM Certification, which is part of the Department of European Funds at the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic, will act as a certification body. The Head of the certification body shall be the Director of the European Funds Division.
The Department of EEA / Norwegian FM certification is directly subordinate to the Director of the European Funds. The Department of European Funds, within the European Union section and international relations at the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic, is directly under the authority of the Head of the European Union section and international relations.
The roles and responsibilities of the Certification Body are laid down in the Regulation, in particular Article 5.4.
The certifying authority shall act at the same time as the body responsible for reporting irregularities pursuant to Article 12.3.1 of the Regulation.
3. Audit Authority
The Department of Audit at the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic will act as the Audit Authority. The Head of the Audit Authority shall be the Head of the Audit Body.
The Department of Audit, under the Financial Management and Audit Section, is directly under the authority of the Director-General of the Financial Management and Audit Section.
The roles and responsibilities of the Audit Authority are laid down in the Regulation, in particular in Article 5.5.
The audit authority shall be functionally independent of the National Contact Point and the Certification Authority.
4. Organogram
PŘÍLOHA B
Annex B
Implementation framework
In accordance with Article 2.5 of the Regulation, the Parties to this Memorandum of Understanding have agreed on the implementation framework set out in this Annex.
1. Financial parameters of the implementation framework
Czech RepublicFM EEA contribution National contribution Programmes 1 Research and innovation26 000 000 EU4 588 235 EU2 Education EUR 20 500 000 3 617 647 3 Kultura45 000 000 EUR 7 941 176 Technical assistance for the Receiving State (Article 1.10) 1 551 000 EU---Reserve for completion of projects under FM 2014-21 (Article 1.11) --Funds for bilateral relations at national level (Article 4.7) 2 122 278 EUR---Funds for bilateral relations at programme level (Article 4.10) 1 000 000 EUR---Net allocation for the Czech Republic 96 173 278 EUR16 147 058 EUR
2. Conditions
---
3. Specific interests
The amount of funding for the bilateral relations funds for each programme shall be indicated in the relevant programme agreements.
Approved allocations of programmes and bilateral funds include a contribution from the EEA Financial Mechanism for the Czech Republic in connection with the challenges arising from the invasion of Ukraine, amounting to EUR 5 729 204. In particular, funding will be provided to support projects under the Research and Innovation, Education and Culture programmes and the planned use of these funds will be described in the proposals for these Programmes (Concept Notes).
In the framework of the Funds for bilateral relations at national level, funding will be available to promote bilateral cooperation aimed at improving corrective services in line with international and European human rights standards.
Gender equality and digitisation will be integrated into all relevant programming areas. The Programs will describe how this will be achieved.
4. Basic parameters of the implementation framework
The programmes described below will be implemented after approval by the FM Committee in accordance with Article 6.3 of the Regulation.
A. Research and Innovation Programme Strengthening excellence in research and research on based innovation, strengthening the foundations for green and digital transformation, democracy, the rule of law, human rights, social inclusion and the ability to resist change. Programme grant: EUR 26 000 000 Co-financing of the programme: EUR 4 588 235 Intermediate of the programme: Technical Agency CRPartner of the programme from the Donor State: Research Council of Norway The Icelandical Centre for Research International partner organisation: ---Programme area (s): Research and innovation Specific terms and conditions of the programme: --Specific interest of the programme: The programme will include support for social sciences and humanities. The programme will include activities to overcome obstacles to the career process of researchers and women researchers. The programme will address the challenges posed by the invasion of Ukraine.
The programme will be implemented together with the Research and Innovation Programme implemented under the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2021-2028.
B. Education programme Objective of the programme: Strengthening the quality, accessibility and relevance of education and training on ecological and digital transformation, human rights, democracy and youth employment. Programme grant: EUR 20 500 000 Co-financing of the programme: EUR 3 617 647 Intermediate of the programme: House of Foreign Cooperation Partner of the Donor State Programme: Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills National Agency for International Education Affairs of Liechtenstein Education, training and employment of young people Specific terms and conditions of the programme: --Specific interest of the programme: The programme will primarily support citizenship education and civic competence and the development of educational competences of current and future teachers. The Programme shall also promote information integrity and media literacy. The possibility of a pre-defined project (s) will be explored when preparing the Programme proposal. The programme will address the challenges arising from the invasion of Ukraine, including inclusive education.
C. Culture Programme: Greater involvement, sustainability and diversity in the field of art, culture and cultural heritage. Programme grant: EUR 45 000 000 Co-financing of the programme: EUR 7 941 176 Partner of the programme from the Receiving State: Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic National Institute of CulturalPartner of the Donor State Program: Arts and Culture Norway The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage International partner organisation: ---Programme area (s): Culture Specific terms and conditions of the programme: ---Specific interest of the programme: The programme will strengthen the capacities of art, culture and cultural heritage to promote sustainable local development, resilience and social cohesion, in particular through strengthening democracy, resistance to disinformation, hatred and extremism, and increasing the participation and involvement of the community in promoting respect, diversity, inclusion, freedom of cultural expression and open dialogue, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The Programme will promote sustainable restoration of cultural heritage in order to create inclusive cultural and community centres that reflect local identity, respond to local needs and exploit the economic potential of local cultural resources. At least 15% of the programme's total eligible expenditure shall support cultural and artistic creation and cooperation, capacity building, awareness-raising and exchange with particular regard to cultural diversity and with a particular focus on people with limited access to culture, minorities and vulnerable persons, including the Roma. The maximum funding for investment in infrastructure and equipment (tough measures) shall be 60% of the total eligible expenditure of the programme. The possibility of implementing a predefined project to promote preventive care for cultural heritage will be explored in the preparation of the Programme proposal. The possibility of implementing a predefined project (s) with a partner (s) from the Donor State, including projects that highlight the historical link between the Czech Republic and the Donor States, will be explored in the preparation of the Programme proposal. The programme will address the challenges posed by the invasion of Ukraine. The possibility of implementing a pre-defined project focusing on the movable Ukrainian cultural heritage will be explored in the preparation of the Programme proposal.
Příloha č. 2
Annex No 2
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Regulation Information
| Citation | Communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs No 19 / 2026 Coll., on the negotiation of Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation of the EEA Financial Mechanism for the period 2021-2028 between the Czech Republic and the Republic of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway |
|---|---|
| Regulation Type | International Treaty |
| Author | - |
| Collection | Code of Laws |
| Date of Promulgation | 16.02.2026 |
|---|---|
| Effective from | 05.11.2025 |
| Effective until | - |
| Status | Valid |
The regulation text is for informational purposes only.
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