The first application deadline was 5 August, and a total of 66 project applications were submitted. The applications involve 74 participants from Slovakia, 60 from Norway, 20 cultural institutions from Iceland and two participants from Liechtenstein.

Icelandic participation is therefore significant and demonstrates strong interest among Icelandic cultural institutions in cooperating with Slovak partners.These are substantial projects, with grants of up to €700,000 available for each project. The total amount requested exceeds €40 million, of which more than €1.7 million represents the share of Icelandic partners.

The projects form part of the EEA Grants Culture Programme in Slovakia, which places strong emphasis on international cooperation and networking between institutions and professionals in Slovakia and the three donor countries – Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. The participation of Icelandic cultural institutions therefore provides opportunities to establish new connections, exchange knowledge and develop bilateral projects.The next step is the evaluation of the applications, which will begin in September. The results of the funding allocation are expected to be announced towards the end of the year, when it will become clear how many of the projects involving Icelandic partners will receive funding.

The EEA Grants play an important role in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Iceland and the beneficiary countries across a wide range of fields. Cultural cooperation is an important part of this work, and the level of participation in this call demonstrates considerable interest in both Iceland and Slovakia in further developing their cooperation.