Bilde av signeringen av ny avtale om EØS-midler
Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Hungarian Finance Minister András Kármán sign the agreement. Credit: Thea Nathalie Finstad/MFA

The agreement was signed during the Foreign Minister’s visit to Budapest on 26 October. Iceland and Liechtenstein also signed the agreement.

‘I am pleased that we have signed a new agreement with Hungary on the EEA and Norway Grants. This agreement opens up new and exciting opportunities for cooperation between our two countries. At a time of uncertainty, with democratic values and principles under pressure, I am pleased that we can now help strengthen and promote democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Hungary. A stronger and more democratic Europe is also in Norway’s interest,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Through the Grants, Norway will cooperate with Hungary in a number of areas, including rebuilding and strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law and good governance. This includes cooperation on media freedom and information integrity.

During his visit to Budapest, Foreign Minister Eide is holding talks with Prime Minister Péter Magyar, Foreign Minister Anita Orbán and Finance Minister András Kármán.

Reducing disparities in Europe

The EEA and Norway Grants are Norway’s contribution to reducing social and economic disparities in Europe and strengthening cooperation between Norway and the beneficiary countries.

Fifteen countries are eligible to receive funding under the EEA and Norway Grants. With today’s signing with Hungary, agreements are now in place with all 15 beneficiary countries for the current funding period.

‘The agreement opens a new chapter in relations between our two countries. The funding will benefit the people of Hungary and support the Magyar government’s reforms to restore democracy,’ said Mr Eide.

About the agreement

  • EUR 254.1 million has been allocated for cooperation with Hungary under the EEA and Norway Grants for the 2021–2028 funding period.
  • The funding period formally runs until 2028, with payments possible until the end of April 2031.
  • Norway provides around 97% of the funding, with Iceland and Liechtenstein financing the remainder.
  • A dedicated programme will strengthen a free and independent civil society, enabling organisations to play an active role in developing democracy and society in Hungary. The funding will be managed independently of the Hungarian authorities.
  • Another area is the green transition, where cooperation will contribute to a more diversified energy supply and the transition to clean energy.
  • Six Norwegian public agencies are involved as partners in implementing the programmes.

Facts about the EEA and Norway Grants

For the 2021–2028 funding period, Norway, together with Iceland and Liechtenstein, will provide EUR 3.268 billion to 15 of the EU’s less prosperous Member States.

The priority areas are:

  • Green transition
  • Democracy, rule of law and human rights
  • Social inclusion and resilience

EUR 183 million of the total funding has been earmarked for measures in the beneficiary countries to help address the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

In addition, more than EUR 300 million of the total funding has been earmarked for a fund that will support organisations working on human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe.

The following countries will receive funding under the EEA and Norway Grants during this period:

Country

EUR million

Poland

924.9

Romania

596.3

Bulgaria

260

Hungary

254.1

Czechia

225.2

Greece

159.3

Croatia

133.1

Slovakia

130.7

Portugal

126.3

Lithuania

117.9

Latvia

109.5

Estonia

71.8

Slovenia

50

Cyprus

17.6

Malta

11.2