The Civil Society Fund programmes shall 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.
Question: Article 1.4 of the Programme Implementation Agreement lays down that “The Programme shall be based on the common values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities”. What are the practical implications of this provision? Answer: This provision reflects the same principles applicable to all programmes and activities funded under the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 as set out in Article 1(2) of the Protocol 38d to the EEA Agreement and the Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway on the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 respectively. As further provided in Article 1.4.2 ‘The Programme and all activities funded by it shall be consistent with respect for these values and principles and abstain from supporting operations that may fail to do so. Their implementation shall comply with the fundamental rights and obligations enshrined in relevant instruments and standards’. In practical terms it means that funding of entities and activities that do not comply with these principles would constitute a breach of the legal framework applicable to the Civil Society Fund and thus would be ineligible. This covers both the Fund Operator and the project promoters and partners that are recipients of programme funds and beneficiaries of bilateral funds and funds for regional civil society initiatives.
The Civil Society Fund programmes shall be consistent with respect for these values and principles and abstain from supporting operations that may fail to do so. Its implementation shall comply with the fundamental rights and obligations enshrined in relevant instruments and standards.
The Civil Society Fund programmes shall furthermore adhere to the following principles of implementation:
- Principles of good governance; the Programme shall be participatory and inclusive, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient. There shall be zero-tolerance towards corruption.
- It shall be consistent with sustainable development, long-term economic growth, social cohesion and environmental protection.
- It shall follow a results and risk management approach.
Note: Results-based management is a management system that goes through the entire programme cycle, to ensure a focus on desired results. The Manual is written with this in mind, with result-based management as an overarching premises for programme preparation, implementation and completion. For an introduction to results-based management, see section 4.1.