The newly established EEA Civil Society Fund will provide support to civil society organisations in 15 EU countries, including Greece. 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 Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
Stakeholders' consultation sessions and call for the fund operator
Starting from Athens, Greece, on the 12th of December 2024, the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) is organising national stakeholder consultations for the new EEA Civil Society Fund. In addition, the FMO is organising information sessions for potential bidders for the role of Fund Operator.
The stakeholder consultations will provide knowledge on relevant needs and opportunities of civil society. All interested civil society organisations and other stakeholders are invited to share their ideas on the new fund. This will help tailoring the programme to each national context.
In addition, the process of selecting the new fund operator for the management of the civil society fund has been launched, with a deadline of April 2025. All information, including detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements and application procedures, are available on this site: https://FObidCSF.eeagrants.org/