Consultations with civil society are currently taking place in the beneficiary states. Strengthening the development of the NGO sector, and enhancing its contribution to social justice, democracy and social inclusion, are central priorities for the EEA Grants.

Through the EEA grants, Norway is contributing to increased dialogue between the peoples of the divided island of Cyprus. 25 % of the funding that lasts until 2014 is earmarked for the civil society. The agreement was signed in Nicosia this afternoon.

The work on the current round of the EEA and Norway Grants is well on its way. By the end of the year, almost all national priorities will have been agreed, and programmes will be established as of winter 2011/2012 onwards

An information meeting about the EEA grants and Norwegian support to civil society in the beneficiary countries was arranged yesterday at the House of Literature in Oslo. There was a great interest for the meeting, and 120 representatives from different sectors of civil society attended.

The Norwegian Forum for Europe was held at the Norwegian Theatre on tuesday 18 January. 28 round table participants and an audience of approximately 100 was gathered to discuss issues related to the EEA Grants.