Funding call under the EEA Grants Bilateral Fund supporting collaborative initiatives between Portugal, Norway, and/or Iceland in the fields of defence, security, and foreign policy, including cybersecurity, maritime security, hybrid threats, critical infrastructure, and European defence cooperation.
Programme details
- Call: Call #1 –Defence, security, and foreign policy
- Applications Open: 11 May 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 September 2026 — 17:00 (UTC+1)
- Total Funding Available: €500,000
- Grant Amount: from €10,000 to €50,000 per initiative
- Funding Rate: up to 90% of eligible costs
- Co-financing Requirement: minimum 10%
- Project Duration: minimum 6 months and maximum 24 months
About the funding
This open call was created under the Bilateral Fund Open of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021–2028. It aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Portugal and the donor countries (Norway and Iceland) through joint initiatives with clear bilateral value and tangible outcomes. Supported activities should foster cooperation, knowledge exchange, and long-term partnerships in areas related to defence, security, and foreign policy.
How it works
Projects should contribute to one or more of the following themes:
- Hybrid threats,
- Critical infrastructure protection;
- Cybersecurity;
- Maritime security
- European defence cooperation;
- Joint research and public engagement initiatives;
Eligible Activities
Activities may take place in Portugal and/or donor countries. Examples of supported activities include:
- Workshops, seminars, and conferences
- Technical cooperation and exchange of experts
- Study visits and internships
- Joint studies and publications
- Public engagement campaigns
- Training and intensive courses
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include legal entities established in Portugal, Norway or Iceland. Examples include:
- Public entities
- Private organisations
- Commercial companies
- Non-commercial organisations
- NGOs
- Research institutions
- Civil society organisations
- International organisations (under eligible partnership conditions)
Natural persons are not eligible.
Partnership Requirements
- Portuguese applicants must include at least one partner from Norway or Iceland.
- Norwegian or Icelandic applicants must include at least one Portuguese partner.
- Partners must actively contribute to the initiative and cannot act solely as suppliers or consultants.
Eligible investment expenses
Eligible expenses under the EEA Grants Bilateral Fund include:
- Be directly linked to project activities;
- Be necessary and proportionate;
- Comply with accounting and tax requirements;
- Be recorded and verifiable.
Indirect costs, staff costs, and equipment purchases are generally not eligible.
Need More Information?
If you are evaluating funding opportunities in Portugal and would like to understand whether this programme may be relevant for your organisation, Oporto Accounting can help clarify the framework and direct you to the appropriate application resources. For clarification or further information, reach out through our contact form or i[email protected]
