About West Norway Brussels Office
West Norway Brussels Office (VNB) is the link between Western Norway and Europe. From our office in Brussels, we follow developments in the EU and the EEA, promote Western Norwegian interests and open doors to European cooperation, networks and funding opportunities. At home in Western Norway, VNB is a network of important social institutions that participate in various forms of European cooperation.
VNB was established in 2003 and is one of six Norwegian regional offices in Brussels.
Our mission:
We connect Western Norway and Europe
Western Norway has a strong professional environment, rich natural resources and world-leading expertise in a number of areas. VNB works to make the region more visible in Europe and to give Western Norwegian actors better access to knowledge, cooperation partners and opportunities in the EU and the EEA.
Through our presence in Brussels, we capture political initiatives and developments that are important for Western Norway. At the same time, we promote the region as an attractive cooperation partner for other European regions and organizations.
How we work
VNB aims to make it easier for actors in Western Norway to understand, influence and participate in developments in Europe. We follow current issues in the EU and the EEA, highlight Western Norwegian interests and connect our members with relevant professional environments, networks and partners.
Our work is grouped into four main areas:
Information and insight
Through our presence in Brussels, we capture political initiatives and developments that are important for Western Norway. We disseminate relevant information through newsletters, technical notes, events and direct dialogue with members. VNB also answers questions and helps members navigate the EU and EEA system.
Expertise and knowledge sharing
Good knowledge of the EU and the EEA is important in order to seize the opportunities and understand what European policy means for the region. VNB arranges study visits, seminars and lectures in Brussels and in Western Norway. The content is adapted to the needs and subject areas of the participants.
Projects and financing
VNB highlights the opportunities available in European programs and funding schemes. We help members find relevant announcements, support schemes and collaboration partners. The goal is to give more Western Norwegian actors the knowledge and networks they need to participate in European projects.
Networking and collaboration
We open doors to EU institutions, European regions, as well as Norwegian and international environments in Brussels. Through our networks, we promote Western Norwegian interests, facilitate new collaborations, and contribute to the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and good solutions.