Over €160 million goes towards strengthening civil society in all 16 partner countries. An independent evaluation of the NGO programmes earlier this year found that “the programmes have increased the capacity of civil society in Central and Southern Europe and helped to mobilise citizens to voice their concerns and actively engage with governments”. More than 2 300 projects have received funding so far, 718 in the area of democracy and human rights. This support is needed today more than ever to help counter negative trends across Europe, such as the rise of extremism and growing mistrust in democratic institutions.
Read more about the NGO Programmes supproted through the EEA and Norway Grants in the Annual Report.