Government of Norway

11/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/20/2024 05:46

Norwegian-supported fund to strengthen rule of law, democracy and human rights in Europe

A new fund totalling more than EUR 300 million will support organisations working to promote the rule of law, democracy and human rights in Europe.

'Civil society organisations provide an invaluable contribution to democratic society. It is in Norway's interests to facilitate the efforts of organisations working to strengthen the rule of law, democracy and human rights across Europe,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

The newly established EEA Civil Society Fund totals over EUR 300 million and will provide support to civil society organisations in 15 EU countries. Norway's contribution accounts for approximately 97 % of the overall allocation to the fund.

The fund will give priority to supporting efforts relating to human rights, anti-discrimination, democracy, gender equality, environmental protection, climate action and the green transition, among others.

'Civil society organisations have come under increasing pressure in Europe. Together with Iceland and Liechtenstein, Norway will provide support to organisations working to promote human rights, the rule of law and democracy in Europe. It is to Norway's advantage to ensure that Europe remains a continent with multiple organisations working to safeguard and strengthen fundamental values,' said Mr Eide.

The EEA Civil Society Fund is part of the EEA and Norway Grants scheme. Under the scheme, the three EEA/EFTA countries Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein provide funding to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe. Ten per cent of the EEA and Norway Grants funding for the current period has been set aside as an allocation to the EEA Civil Society Fund.

A similar fund, totalling approximately EUR 200 million, was established in the previous EEA and Norway Grants funding period (2014-2021) as well.

The EEA Civil Society Fund was formally launched today. Independent fund operators will now be designated in each of the beneficiary states. The fund operator must be independent of the country's authorities and will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the fund. Grants may be provided up to 2031.

The EEA Civil Society fund is part of the EEA and Norway Grants scheme. The aim of Norway's funding under the scheme is to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe. In addition, the scheme helps to enhance cooperation between Norway and the beneficiary states.

For the 2021-2028 period (funding may be disbursed up to 2031), Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are providing EUR 3.268 billion to the EU's 15 least prosperous states. Norway provides roughly 97 % of this funding.

The countries that qualify to receive grants in the coming period are Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

A total of EUR 183 million has been earmarked for measures to help address the ramifications of Russia's war on Ukraine in the beneficiary states.

The three designated priority areas for EEA and Norway Grants are:

  • green transition;
  • democracy, rule of law and human rights;
  • social inclusion and resilience.