Support to civil society has been a key priority for the EEA and Norway Grants since 2004. Protocol 38d on the EEA Financial Mechanism (2021-2028) and the corresponding Agreement between Norway and the European Union on the Norwegian Financial Mechanism (2021-2028) set aside ten percent of the total financial contribution for a Civil Society Fund. The Fund is made available to all the Beneficiary States, with the objective of supporting a vibrant and resilient civil society that protects and promotes democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
The Programmes of the Civil Society Fund must be based on the common values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and the respect for human rights including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. The Programmes must be consistent with respect for these values and principles and abstain from supporting operations that may fail to do so. Its implementation must comply with the fundamental rights and obligations enshrined in relevant instruments and standards.
The Programme must be based on the common values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and the respect for human rights including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. The Programme must be consistent with respect for these values and principles and abstain from supporting operations that may fail to do so. Its implementation must comply with the fundamental rights and obligations enshrined in relevant instruments and standards.
The Civil Society Fund must contribute to the overall objectives of the EEA and Norway Grants, to reduce economic and social disparities, and to strengthen bilateral relations between Hungary and the Donor States.
The objective of the Fund, “A vibrant and resilient civil society protecting and promoting democracy, the rule of law and human rights” will be achieved by supporting civil society organisations that are aligned with the values of the Grants and involved in advocacy, monitoring, strategic litigation, civic education, and citizen engagement.
The Programme must furthermore adhere to the following principles of implementation:
- Principles of good governance; the Programme must be participatory and inclusive, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient. There must be zero-tolerance towards corruption.
- It must be consistent with sustainable development, long-term economic growth, social cohesion and environmental protection.
- It must follow a results and risk based management approach
