About the Financial mechanism of the European Economic Area
On 17.06.2011, the Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism 2009 – 2014 between Bulgaria and Iceland, The Principality of Liechtenstein and The Kingdom and the Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 between Bulgaria and The Kingdom of Norway, were signed. The overall purpose of the two financial instruments is to reduce the economic and social differences in the European Economic Area and to strengthen the bilateral relations between the countries-donors and Bulgaria. The main objective of the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area (EEA FM) is to encourage the economic and social development of Bulgaria as a member of the EEA, in accordance with the national priorities and the EC policies.
About the Program BG08
As a result of the financial support under the Program BG08 “Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Arts” will be restored at least 5 buildings with cultural significance, at least 5 cultural spaces will be protected and turned into outdoor museums and at least 7 new museums, together with the appropriate facilities will be developed. By the activities aimed to increase the people’s access to an online content with cultural orientation, it is expected the newly created digital content to be attended by at least one million users. The program will provide grants to at least 20 projects supporting innovations in arts and culture and encouraging the intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity.
The program will support also the project of Sofia Armory- a Museum of the contemporary art, a second phase, and will be provided a larger exhibition area for assess by the general public and will be increased the potential for encouraging of the bilateral cooperation between the cultural figures from Bulgaria and Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway. Attention will be paid also to the cultural heritage and the diversity of the minorities and for this purpose, 10% of the approved program grants will be aimed to the improvement of the conditions of the Romany community in Bulgaria. The Program Operator of Program BG08 is The Ministry of Culture.