The NOx Fund is implementing a temporary pause on new funding allocations
The NOx Fund has temporarily halted new funding allocations due to the ESA's delay in approving the NOx Agreement for 2026-2027, pending final clarification.
The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) is responsible for ensuring that the EEA Agreement is implemented and complied with in all EEA EFTA countries. In the case of the NOx Agreement, they make sure that the scheme follows state aid regulations. The approval process involves the Norwegian authorities (the Ministry of Climate and Environment and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries) and ESA.
However, the progress has been slow due to unforeseen events, which have caused several delays. These delays have been beyond the control of the NOx Fund and the business sectors.
The reason for the recent pause in funding allocations is that the NOx Fund is depending on revenues from payments in 2026 and 2027 to continue our work. Once ESA approves the NOx Agreement, new grant allocations can be made.
Support for urea, measurement, and SCR service are not affected by this and will still be paid out.
Despite the current challenges, the NOx Fund remains optimistic that a resolution will soon be reached, and the halt will not hinder our ongoing work.