Norway and Hungary have signed a new agreement worth EUR 254.1 million under the EEA and Norway Grants, marking an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting a greener, more democratic and resilient Europe.
On 26 October 2026, Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Hungarian Finance Minister András Kármán signed a new cooperation agreement in Budapest. Iceland and Liechtenstein also signed the agreement, which establishes a framework for renewed cooperation with Hungary under the EEA and Norway Grants.
The agreement opens new opportunities for cooperation between Norway and Hungary in several key areas, including democratic institutions, the rule of law, good governance, civil society and the green transition.
A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations
The agreement represents a significant development in relations between Norway and Hungary.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide welcomed the renewed cooperation, emphasising the importance of strengthening democracy, human rights and European cooperation at a time of increasing international uncertainty.
The funding will support initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, promoting media freedom and information integrity, and supporting reforms related to the rule of law and good governance.
During his visit to Budapest, Minister Eide also held talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, Foreign Minister Anita Orbán and Finance Minister András Kármán.
EUR 254.1 Million Allocated to Hungary
Under the agreement, EUR 254.1 million has been allocated to Hungary for the 2021–2028 funding period.
Norway will provide approximately 97% of the funding, while Iceland and Liechtenstein will finance the remaining share.
Although the funding period formally ends in 2028, payments may continue until the end of April 2031.
The cooperation will focus on several priority areas:
- Democracy and the rule of law: Strengthening democratic institutions, good governance, human rights and media freedom.
- Civil society: Supporting independent civil society organisations and encouraging their active participation in democratic and social development.
- Green transition: Promoting clean energy, energy diversification and environmentally sustainable solutions.
- Institutional cooperation: Facilitating partnerships and knowledge exchange between Norwegian and Hungarian institutions.
A dedicated programme will support a free and independent civil society in Hungary. This funding will be managed independently of the Hungarian authorities.
Six Norwegian public agencies will participate as partners in implementing the programmes, contributing expertise and supporting cooperation between the two countries.
Reducing Economic and Social Disparities in Europe
The EEA and Norway Grants are an important instrument for reducing economic and social disparities across Europe while strengthening bilateral relations between the donor countries and beneficiary states.
For the 2021–2028 funding period, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein have committed a total of EUR 3.268 billion to 15 EU Member States.
The three main priorities of the funding framework are:
- Green transition
- Democracy, the rule of law and human rights
- Social inclusion and resilience
Of the total funding, EUR 183 million has been earmarked for measures addressing the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
In addition, more than EUR 300 million has been allocated to a fund supporting organisations working to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law across Europe.
With the signing of the agreement with Hungary, cooperation agreements are now in place with all 15 beneficiary countries for the current funding period.
Looking Ahead
The renewed cooperation between Norway and Hungary marks an important milestone in bilateral relations and creates opportunities for closer institutional collaboration, knowledge sharing and sustainable development.
Through the EEA and Norway Grants, the participating countries aim to strengthen democratic institutions, support the green transition and contribute to a more resilient and inclusive Europe.
The agreement establishes a foundation for cooperation in the coming years, reflecting a shared commitment to European development and long-term partnerships.
Source: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 26 October 2026
Norway Resumes Cooperation with Hungary Through the EEA and Norway Grants