Bulgaria’s Cabinet will ask Parliament to ratify two memorandums under the Norwegian Cooperation Program for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Kingdom of Norway and the financial mechanism of the European Economic Area (EEA).

Bulgaria was to receive 41.5 million euro by 2009 under the two memorandums, Bulgarian news agency BTA said.

The memorandums will provide money for bilateral co-operation projects to decrease social and economy inequality and consolidate Bulgaria’s capacity to take part in the internal EU market.

The deadline for project agreements under two memorandums is April 30 2009. The projects have to be carried out by April 30 2011.

Bulgaria is to receive 21.5 million euro under the financial mechanism of the EEA, the other 20 million euro will be provided by the Norwegian co-operation programme.

Priorities of the financial mechanism of EEA are environment protection by decreasing pollution and stimulation of the use of renewable energy resources, human resource development, strengthening of local authorities, European cultural heritage protection and healthcare. All public and private organisations and NGO, registered as legal entities in Bulgaria, which are active in the field of social benefits can apply for funding.

The Norwegian programme funds projects to decrease greenhouse gasses and other harmful emissions, increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy and development of sustainable production. All public and private organisations and NGOs registered as legal entities in Bulgaria, which have a Norwegian partner, may apply for funding under the programme.