Inclusive Europe

Credit: NFP Czech Republic

The EEA and Norway Grants represent Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway’s commitment to stimulating more sustainable and inclusive growth in Europe, promoting bilateral cooperation and tackling shared challenges. This report highlights how the Donor States’ contributions help to build a better future by making Europe greener, more competitive and more inclusive. This section takes a closer look at the Donors’ contributions to making Europe more inclusive.

The challenge

In 2023, Europe continued to be confronted by significant challenges that highlighted the ongoing importance to foster a more inclusive and equal society. The year was characterised by democratic backsliding, emphasising the urgency to protect fundamental principles and values. The growing issue of disinformation posed a serious threat to democratic values, increasing the challenges of democratic backsliding and affecting the ability of citizens to make informed decisions. These developments served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of democratic institutions and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding democratic norms.

Furthermore, the year witnessed persisting inequalities and vulnerabilities across Europe. Marginalised groups, including women and girls, people of Roma origin, the LGBTIQ+ community, and individuals with disabilities, continued to face heightened risks of exclusion and discrimination. Addressing these disparities remained a pivotal aspect of the Grants’ ongoing mission to build a more just and resilient Europe.

Amid these challenges, the anti-rights agenda of nationalist, far-right regimes posed a significant threat to marginalised groups and the promotion of human rights, especially the rights of racial and gender minorities.

In 2023, Europe also grappled with new challenges, such as energy poverty, only made worse by an increase in energy prices and inflation. These economic pressures added complexity to the pursuit of inclusivity, particularly for vulnerable communities already facing socio-economic disparities.

Additionally, the region faced the ongoing impact of refugee flows, further straining resources and infrastructure. The need to provide support and integration opportunities for refugees remained a pressing concern.

It is clear that the mission of creating a more inclusive Europe continues to be of paramount importance. The work of the EEA and Norway Grants in promoting inclusion and equality within the region takes on even greater significance, championing a Europe where every individual, irrespective of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a brighter future.

The Grants’ approach

Through the EEA and Norway Grants, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are committed to contributing to a more inclusive Europe.

The funding supports the Beneficiary States in facing up to society’s most challenging issues. With the EEA and Norway Grants, the Beneficiary States are building inclusive public institutions and strengthening civil society organisations, fostering dignified living conditions, and promoting climate action, fighting discrimination and advocating for decent jobs and an active civic space. These are just a few examples of activities enabled by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway’s contributions.

The EEA and Norway Grants are based on the shared European values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. Making sure that younger generations are better equipped for the future, that vulnerable groups are empowered, and that institutions are just and transparent, are fundamental drivers of the Grants’ programmes.

Credit: Aleksandra Osak, Adventure Base – Activity and Integration Centre

Funding Inclusive Europe

Making Europe more inclusive is at the heart of the EEA and Norway Grants. This is reflected through many of the Grants’ priority sectors, such as Social Inclusion, Youth Employment and Poverty Reduction and Culture, Civil Society, Good Governance and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, as well as Justice and Home Affairs.

Under the priority sector Social Inclusion, Youth Employment and Poverty Reduction, the programme areas are:

European Public Health Challenges
Roma Inclusion and Empowerment
Children and Youth at Risk
Local Development and Poverty Reduction

Under the priority sector Culture, Civil Society, Good Governance and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, the programme areas are:

Cultural Entrepreneurship, Cultural Heritage and Cultural Cooperation
Civil Society
Good Governance, Accountable Institutions, Transparency
Human Rights – National Implementation

Under the priority sector Justice and Home Affairs, the programme areas are:

Asylum and Migration
Correctional Services and Pre-trial Detention
Domestic and Gender-based Violence

Partnerships are at the heart of the EEA and Norway Grants.

Learn more

All these programme areas aim to break the cycle of disadvantage. This is done through the social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable groups, through providing equal access to education, employment, healthcare and culture, and through building the capacity and accountability of institutions and key players such as civil society organisations.

By the end of 2023, the EEA and Norway Grants had provided over €1.1 billion to projects fostering inclusive and fair societies in the Beneficiary States. These projects have significantly improved access to quality education and healthcare services with a primary focus on underserved regions and marginalised groups.

The grants have also been instrumental in supporting human rights defenders who tirelessly advocate for fundamental rights and liberties. In addition, a key aspect of these projects has been the education and training of thousands of civil servants and police officers. This capacity-building has laid the foundation for more transparent, efficient, and accountable public institutions, leading to improved public services and governance. These projects have also fostered civic engagement and active participation, empowering both individuals and civil society organisations to play a key role in shaping policies and legislation.

Civil society organisations have made a substantial impact, influencing a total of 1,153 policies or laws across the Beneficiary States. Their advocacy has led to positive changes in various domains, including human rights, social inclusion, environmental conservation, and gender equality.

The EEA and Norway Grants are playing a substantial role in creating a gender-equal Europe. To create the most impact, partnerships with organisations that are pioneers in the field of gender equality are critical. In this area, Beneficiaries of the Grants are being advised by partners from Iceland and Norway, as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Council of Europe.

The EEA and Norway Grants stand out compared to other funding sources. For instance, the Grants’ Active Citizens Fund is one of the largest funding sources for democracy and human rights organisations in the Beneficiary States, providing rare support for advocacy and watchdog activities. The Grants have also played a pioneering role by introducing organisational grants for civil society organisations in the Beneficiary States. This grant scheme has been particularly vital, especially in the wake of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine. Notably, this pilot scheme has set a precedent and has served as a model for other funders, highlighting its effectiveness and relevance in supporting civil society in the region. In the areas of asylum and migration, gender-based violence, and correctional services, the EEA and Norway Grants facilitate unique models focusing on human rights and human dignity. Last but not least, the Grants’ Roma inclusion and empowerment programmes finance flagship projects that apply a systemic, flexible, and integrated approach, with investments in both infrastructure and services.

By the end of 2023, the EEA and Norway Grants had provided over €1 billion to projects fostering inclusive and fair societies in the Beneficiary States.

Working together

Partnerships between Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and the Beneficiary States contribute to capacity building in civil society organisations and public institutions. This happens through exchanges of knowledge and best practices and the transfer of working methods. The Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the Icelandic Human Rights Centre play an important role in facilitating that expertise. The Synergy Network against Gender-based and Domestic Violence brings together governmental and non-governmental stakeholders from Donor and Beneficiary States in all relevant programmes to strengthen the impact of the Grants. Another example is the ‘Barnahús’ model, derived from the Icelandic word for ‘children’s house’. This model has been piloted in several countries together with partners in Norway and Iceland to safeguard the rights of children in the legal system.

Programme example

Credit: ROMA IN PRESCHOOL - Christophe Vander Eecken

Find out more about this programme

Asylum programmes in Greece

In Greece, the Grants contribute to asylum programmes aiming to enhance the capacity of Greek authorities to offer accommodation to asylum seekers in vulnerable situations. This also means improving operational procedures in the Greek Asylum Services and Appeal Committees and enhancing interpretation services for asylum seekers.

The Grants also cooperate with international organisations that facilitate migrants’ voluntary return to their home countries and offer free legal aid to asylum seekers. Furthermore, by cooperating with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Greece and five different reception facilities, the Grants have so far provided accommodation for 363 unaccompanied minors and 260 women in vulnerable situations.

These activities complement the EU’s support in this area and are aligned with EU migration policies.

Active Citizens Fund

A robust civil society is a fundamental building block of a vibrant, well-functioning democracy. NGOs play a vital role in promoting democratic values and human rights and fostering civic participation. However, civil society organisations face legal, financial and sometimes even physical threats in several European countries. Through the Active Citizens Fund, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway aim to strengthen civil society, encourage active citizenship and empower disadvantaged groups in the Beneficiary States. The Fund is managed by national operators that are independent of local, regional and central governments, political parties and religious institutions.

The Active Citizens Fund represents a contribution of over €215 million from the EEA Grants towards the strengthening of civil society. By the end of 2023, over 2,870 projects had been supported through the Active Citizens Fund.

By the end of 2023

2,870 projects

had been supported through the Active Citizens Fund.

Project examples

Champions of change

Empowering children facing developmental disabilities. Supported by the EEA and Norway Grants, this project unites over 5,200 children across 55 cities, transcending borders to foster inclusion through sports. Through partnerships with organizations like the Motivation Romania Foundation and Special Olympics Iceland, the project is truly breaking barriers. This initiative showcases the transformative power of sports, proving that every child, regardless of disability, deserves inclusion.

Schools for all in Greece

The "Schools for All" project spans over 70 schools in Greece, catering to diverse student needs. With 37 dedicated trainers and a comprehensive manual of 31 activities, it fosters a safe, inclusive, and democratic learning environment. At the Lyceum of Thermaikos in Thessaloniki, where many students are refugees, the impact is evident. Through collaboration, these initiatives bridge cultural divides, enriching academic experiences and nurturing unity.

Beyond disabilities

This intuitive project in Malta focuses on enhancing healthcare for children with special needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Supported by the EEA and Norway Grants this initiative has established the Sensory Integration Therapy Centre in Marsa, providing accessible tailored care and educational support under one roof. Learn how personalized training for therapists and innovative interventions are shaping a brighter future for hundreds of children.

The EEA and Norway Grants in numbers

Total funding for this area:

€1,061.3 million¹

Total funding for this area: €1,061.3 million¹
11 programme areas
59 programmes
14 Beneficiary States²
3,987 projects³
25.3% of projects with donor project partner⁴

Indicator	Target	Achievement
Annual number of cases of domestic and gender-based violence officially reported	91,602	122,066
Number of national policies and laws influenced	323	900
Number of people reached by campaigns	18,587,000	110,279,977
Number of students educated in civic and human rights	25,270	15,669
Number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors receiving services	3,650	320
Number of vulnerable individuals reached by empowerment measures	40,310	374,460

Inclusive Europe and the Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reflect a shared global vision for a peaceful and prosperous world through sustainable and fair development.

Some of the SDGs that the EEA and Norway Grants contribute to under the umbrella of an Inclusive Europe include:

SDG 10 – Reduced inequalities

This SDG focuses on reducing inequality within and among countries. It calls for reducing inequalities in income as well as those based on age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or social status within a country. Combating inequalities and social exclusion lies deep in the heart of the Grants. From reducing poverty, fighting discrimination, and protecting children and youth at risk, to empowering vulnerable groups and safeguarding our fundamental rights, the Grants help pave the way for less inequality and a more inclusive Europe – one project at a time.

One such project example is the ‘Centres of Renewal in Gemer’ in Slovakia. Throughout the years, the region has become marginalised, and its unemployment rates are among the highest in the country. As a result, many of the cultural heritage landmarks are run-down. Restoring these landmarks is one of the key elements to turning the tide. By working together to safeguard Gemer’s cultural heritage, the project hopes to reduce the social and cultural divide between the local communities.

SDG 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions

SDG 16 focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The EEA and Norway Grants are supporting numerous projects that help the Beneficiary States strengthen the rule of law and promote human rights.

Among the projects that received funding is an initiative by the Czech Probation and Mediation Service which has opened the very first probation house in the country. The Písek probation house is designed for adult men on parole. It is targeted at offenders for whom reintegration into society would be complicated without intensive professional aid. During their six-month stay, the parolees will complete a specially designed residential resocialisation programme under supervision. The programme includes aid in managing duties and restrictions, skills, and administrative training for a successful return to society. The parolees receive support in their job search or get advice on handling everyday tasks like banking, housing or administrative matters. The new probation house was designed with the help of the Buskerud Probation Office in Norway and was based on a Norwegian model that is an integral part of the Norwegian sentence execution system.