WILANÓW PALACE. Since 2004, Norway has paid over NOK 59 billion for the EEA Agreement, the funds have been used, inter alia, to renovate historic buildings in Poland.
Now, difficult new negotiations await with the EU on the price of the EEA Agreement.
The Wilanów Palace is impressively large. The baroque castle was the summer castle of the Polish king Jan III. With the help of Norwegian money, the palace was renovated.
Since 2004, Poland has received over NOK 19 billion in EEA funds.
This is the money Norway pays the EU for its share of the internal market in Europe. Poland receives the most money of any country that is entitled to receive money.
- Tourists come to see the history of Poland. Thanks to EEA funds, we took the first step - says Maciej Balaz, curator of the Wilanów Museum.
He draws, tells and shows the castle and the garden. Over the years, the castle has been renovated, both with funds from Norway and Polish budgets. The garden around the castle is very popular in the evenings due to the numerous light sculptures.
The Wilanów Palace received a total of over 38 from Norway million NOK, starting in 2007. The money is an example of what the so-called "EEA quota" goes towards. The list of where money goes in Poland is long. There are projects in the fields of art, culture, justice and education.
A huge investment
In the Wilanów Palace, this money was used to build, among others, a pavilion to store original sculptures. The facade of the castle is richly decorated with carvings. Copies hang on the lock so as not to expose the originals to damage.
- It was repaired many times as a result of destructive processes - says Eryk Bunsch and shows one of the original female sculptures.
A necessary condition for Wilanów and other people receiving money from the EEA is cooperation with Norway. Among other things, the museum participates in a project on cultural heritage for new generations led by NTNU.
Norway is renegotiating the price of the EEA Agreement with the EU. Since 1994, Norway has helped to even out economic and social disparities in the EU.
Since 2004, Norway has provided support in two ways. Norwegian program and program jointly with Iceland and Liechtenstein, including EEA funding. Norway pays most of the EEA funds, as much as 98 percent. The rest is paid by the EEA partners Iceland and Liechtenstein. Norway's contribution has grown significantly over the years.
Between 2004 and 2009, Norway paid just over NOK 13 billion
2009-2014 number ta has increased to over NOK 18 billion
In years 2014-2021, the total rose to 28 billion.
The EEA Agreement gives Norway access to the EU's internal market on an equal footing with companies from EU Member States.
It gives Norwegians the right to work, study and live in other EU countries.
The EEA Agreement means that Norway must accept EU laws and regulations if we do not veto it. So far, Norway has never made use of its right of reservation against any of the EU directives.
EEA money goes beyond the renovation of castles. They will compensate for social and economic disparities in the 15 EU countries, all in Eastern Europe except Portugal. Poland receives almost one-third of the EEA funding, approximately NOK 8,5 billion in the current period.
- Norwegian money is funds that really help us. Thanks to them, we can achieve a lot. We want to make the best use of the money - says Waldemar Buda, secretary of state in the Ministry of Development and Regional Policy in Poland.
– Stopped support for Poland
Both Norway and the EU have reduced support for projects that are located in so-called LGBT-free zones. About 100 municipalities, counties and regions have spoken out against the so-called "LGBT ideology". The statements are symbolic, but they serve, among other things, to contain the Duma. The exception is Norwegian support for civil society, organizations that, for example, work for the rule of law.
- This is a very problematic situation. It is an initiative of small communes. It is not something that is prescribed by law, it is rather a statement. Apart from these declarations, nothing is happening in these communes, which means that LGBT people are not discriminated against, says the Secretary of State of Buda.
Negotiations on a new contract
Difficult negotiations with the EU on a new agreement on EEA funds are expected. Among other things, the EU needs money to close the UK budget gap.
Norway has already set up a negotiating delegation chaired by the Norwegian EU ambassador in Brussels. Several parties, including the Center Party and the Socialist People's Party, criticize the EEA Agreement. After Brexit, both sides agreed to explore alternatives to the EEA.
Negotiations with the EU will start in spring or fall. This is due to the ubiquitous pandemic situation. There are many indications that the money will be spent to a greater extent on climate action. LO and NHO write in a joint letter to the government that the greater part of the EEA funds should go to projects that contribute to fair restructuring during the period of green change.
At the Wilanów Museum, they want new money from Norway and willingly submit their applications in a more climate-friendly direction.
