The Romanian NGO Fund will benefit organisations promoting social justice, democracy and sustainable development in Romania. Efforts to improve the situation for children and youth, vulnerable groups, minorities and Roma will be supported.

Within the €306 million investment from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, environment, justice and the situation for the Roma population are among the priorities

"A new round of EEA and Norway Grants will further strengthen our good contact and cooperation", said Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre.

Improving the situation for Romania's large Roma population is another priority for the Grants. A specific programme targeting children and youth at risk will be focused on the regions where the Roma make up a large proportion of the population. Around €22 million is set aside for projects to reduce discrimination, improve integration and reduce disparities. The Council of Europe will be directly involved in this work. In addition, at least 10% of the funding in most programmes will be set aside for improving the situation of the Roma. NGOs will also be eligible to apply this fund.

"We have a great interest in expanding our cooperation with Romania. It is positive to see that this keen interest exists on both sides," said Gry Larsen, Norwegian State Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Ms. Larsen signed the agreement in Bucharest on behalf of Norway, while the Minister for Europe, Mr. Leonard Orban signed on behalf of Romania.

Read the agreement of the use of the Norway Grants in Romania here