In a press-release, the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre states that the White Paper proves that Norway makes a difference to the new democracies in Europe and contribute to reducing disparities.
According to the White Paper, the funding situation for NGOs in the beneficiary countries is worse than a decade ago. Norway is now one of the biggest donors for NGOs in Central-Europe and the EEA grant provides support to the development of civil society, which in itself is important for a thriving and well-functioning democracy.
Norwegian NGOs were partners in several projects in the previous period, and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee will continue informing Norwegian civil society about the NGO Fund and foster partnerships and cooperation also in the current period.
Read more here (in Norwegian):