Deadline Date: August 14, 2026
The Bilateral Fund under the EEA Grants 2021–2028 Portugal supports bilateral initiatives that strengthen cooperation between Portugal, Norway and Iceland in the areas of defence, security and foreign policy.
The call focuses on strengthening bilateral relations through joint research and public engagement on themes including hybrid threats, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, maritime security and the future of European defence cooperation. The programme also aims to stimulate bilateral interests, promote joint initiatives with clear bilateral value and tangible outcomes, and foster sustainable cooperation through impactful bilateral activities. The EEA Grants further support objectives related to the reduction of economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area, while promoting democracy, rule of law, human rights, social inclusion, resilience and the European green transition.
The total funding available under the call is EUR 500,000. Grants ranging from EUR 10,000 to EUR 50,000 will be awarded to selected initiatives. Eligible applicants include public or private entities, commercial or non-commercial organisations, and civil society organisations legally established in Portugal, Norway or Iceland. Natural persons are not eligible to apply.
Eligible partners may include public or private organisations, non-governmental organisations, entities from other beneficiary states, and international organisations, provided they actively contribute to the implementation of the initiative. Applications must include at least one partner from Norway or Iceland, or from Portugal in the case of Norwegian or Icelandic promoters.
The programme supports a broad range of bilateral cooperation activities such as matchmaking events, technical cooperation, expert exchanges, workshops, seminars, training actions, internships, study visits, joint studies, publications, campaigns and data collection initiatives. Activities may take place in Portugal and/or the donor states.
The call encourages initiatives that demonstrate clear bilateral value through joint design, implementation, mutual benefit and knowledge exchange. Applications promoting sustainable long-term cooperation and balanced participation of women and men in project teams are also highly valued.
The expected outcomes include stronger and more consolidated bilateral relations between Portugal, Norway and Iceland in the fields of defence, security and foreign policy, alongside increased opportunities for technical collaboration, research cooperation and public engagement.
For more information, visit EEA Grants Portugal.
