Through extensive, long-standing co-operation, the Council of Europe and the EEA and Norway Grants support member States in implementing European standards.

The Council of Europe is a key partner for the EEA and Norway Grants, thanks to its various bodies and instruments, which cover a wide range of important areas. This co-operation focuses on Council of Europe’s unique role in translating international standards into practical outcomes to ensure impactful and sustainable interventions.

It also enables precise identification of gaps and challenges across member States. These insights inform the development of a high-level strategy for the Grants, guaranteeing they are implemented in ways that improve the quality of life of people and democratic governance in the beneficiary countries.

The Council of Europe has participated in two previous funding cycles and is now involved a new one, which begins in 2025.

 Key figures

  Current seven-year cycle starting in 2025

  Action in 15 EU and Council of Europe member States: 

           Bulgaria | Croatia| Cyprus | Czech Republic | Estonia| Greece| Hungary| Latvia |

           Lithuania| Malta | Poland | Portugal | Romania| Slovakia | Slovenia

  5 Council of Europe Mission-Driven Initiatives on :

 Status of Co-operation

The Council of Europe’s co-operation with the EEA and Norway Grants has been further reinforced through a new framework agreement covering the next seven years.

During this period, the EEA and Norway Grants will support the reduction of social and economic disparities across Europe. Its primary goal is to reduce inequalities between countries and strengthen bilateral relations with 15 EU member states.

Looking forward, the Council of Europe’s focus will be on countering threats to democracy and the rule of law, combating violence against women and economic crime, defending freedom of expression and information integrity, and bolstering justice and anti-discrimination policies.

These are areas in which the Council of Europe has robust instruments and can therefore offer significant added value. Working together on these priorities will also be consistent with the 2025 Report of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe “Towards A New Democratic Pact for Europe”.

 Information on the Council of Europe and the EEA and Norway Grants 2016-2024 Co-operation Agreement

 Thematic areas

Building on the Blue Book priorities for 2021-2028, the Council of Europe has proposed to engage in 7 Programme Areas where it brings strong expertise:

  • Local Development, Good Governance and Inclusion
  • Roma Inclusion and Empowerment
  • Domestic and Gender-Based Violence
  • Access to Justice
  • Correctional services
  • Serious and organised Crime
  • Institutional Cooperation and Capacity Building

EEA and Norway Grants logo

Through extensive, long-standing co-operation, the Council of Europe and the EEA and Norway Grants support member States in implementing European standards.

> Find out more about the Council of Europe co-operation with the EEA and Norway Grants.