Hungary is set to receive more than 92 billion forints (about 280 million U.S. dollars) in funding after signing agreements to resume access to European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants.
The grants, funded by Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, aim to reduce economic and social disparities across 15 European Union countries while strengthening cooperation between the beneficiary countries and the donor states.
Norway contributes about 97 per cent of the funding.
The latest agreements mark a resumption of funding for Hungary after it missed out during the 2014–2021 funding period due to disagreements with the donor countries over the independent management of financial support for civil society organisations.
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The dispute centred on the administration of funds allocated to non-governmental organisations, with the donor countries seeking independent oversight to ensure transparency and accountability.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Budapest, Hungarian Finance Minister, Andras Karman stressed the importance of transparent procedures, predictable decisions and accountable institutions in ensuring the effective use of the funds.
“We are not afraid of scrutiny; independent oversight does not constrain us, it makes our decisions credible,” Karman said.
Norwegian Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide welcomed the agreements, emphasising the importance of cooperation, the rule of law and democratic values in shaping Europe’s future.
The renewed funding is expected to support initiatives aimed at narrowing economic and social inequalities, strengthening civil society and promoting closer ties between Hungary and the donor countries.
The agreements also signal a step towards restoring cooperation following years of disagreement over the management and oversight of the grants.
