Co-operation among Nordic embassies and diplomatic missions in the world

The Nordic Council of Ministers supports cooperation among Nordic embassies and diplomatic missions in the world (outside the Nordic region) to support Our vision 2030 as well as branding of the Nordic countries.

Currently there are two open programs offering funding opportunities for projects carried out by Nordic embassies and diplomatic missions in the world. Additionally, the Nordic Council of Ministers engage in strategic presence and long term cooperation amongst Nordic embassies in selected countries. 

In joining forces, Nordic representations are encouraged to exchange and promote Nordic values, solutions, thoughts, and competences in the world.

The overall purpose of the Nordic Embassy Program (NEP) is to promote cooperation among Nordic embassies and diplomatic missions in the world (within countries outside the Nordic region) in line with the Nordic Council of Ministers Our vision 2030 and strategic priorities.

Through 2021-2024, the funding will enable Nordic embassies and diplomatic missions in the world to support the Nordic Council of Ministers objective of becoming the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030.

To achieve the objectives of the vision, the funding is aimed at supporting projects with a clear connection to one or more of the strategic priorities of Our vision 2030: a green Nordic region, a competitive Nordic region, and a socially sustainable Nordic region.

Furthermore, interdisciplinary perspectives on sustainable development, gender equality, and a children’s rights and young people’s perspective, are encouraged and regarded as a particular positive asset of any project.

Next Open Call

The next open call for funding through the NEP-program:

Who is eligible

The NEP-program is available to all Nordic embassies and diplomatic missions outside of the Nordic region.

Grant size

In 2024, it is possible to apply for grants for both small and larger projects with a budget of at least EURO 5.000 and no greater than EURO 45.000.

Small grants may support one-time events, single activities or alike.

Medium- to large scale grants may support multiple events, series of activities or in support of advocacy of relevant agendas related to Our vision 2030 over the course of up to one, two or even three years in some cases. 

Conditions and criteria

Projects must meet the Nordic Council of Ministers’ conditions. The conditions include a strong connection and contribution to the objectives of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Our vision 2030 and strategic platforms; the inclusion of at least three Nordic countries in the partner group; helping to add Nordic value.

The Nordic Council of Ministers aspires to secure a fair geographic distribution of funds.

Please find more information on the application portal (see section below, "How to apply"). 

How to apply

Please find more information and follow our guidelines for applying for funding:

The Nordic Council of Ministers supports strategic and long term Nordic cooperation among the Nordic embassies in Berlin, Germany, and Washington D.C., USA.

The Nordic cooperation supports the development and implementation of Nordic initiatives and projects led under the auspices of the Nordic embassies in the host country. 

The Nordic Council of Ministers branding project, Nordic Talks, is another funding opportunity for Nordic embassies and representations along with other stakeholders around the world. Nordic Talks is a series of live talks and podcast episodes where people are encouraged to come together in dialogue to address the biggest global challenges we and our planet face. A Nordic Talk can take place anywhere in the world and anyone with a great idea for a talk can apply for funding. It's possible to apply for three different grants, depending on the size of the project, and both online and offline events are encouraged, as well as independently organised talks and plug-ins to existing larger events.

Read more about Nordic Talks and the different grants in the handbook.