The Donor states – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway – have signed the Programme Agreement with the Slovak consortium led by the Ekopolis Foundation, officially launching the EEA Civil Society fund in Slovakia, a programme that will strengthen democracy, protect human rights and support resilient civil society organisations across Slovakia. First grant calls will be announced at the Launch Event in January 2026
On 10 December 2025, together with representatives of the Donor States – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway – we signed the Programme Agreement that officially launches the implementation of the EEA Civil Society Fund in Slovakia. This step formally opens the way for an important programme supporting civil society within the EEA and Norway Grants 2021–2028. For us, it is a significant moment – after months of preparation, we are opening the door to support for people and organisations working for a better country.
The key areas of support include promoting democratic values, strengthening civil society participation in decision-making processes, protecting human rights and combating discrimination. The programme pays particular attention to gender equality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, the rights of LGBTIQ+ people, as well as climate action and environmental protection. An important part of the programme’s support is also the development of organisational capacities and the creation of an enabling environment for the functioning of the civil society sector.
A part of the programme’s support is specifically dedicated to addressing urgent societal challenges, such as supporting the integration of people displaced from Ukraine and strengthening the position of marginalised groups, particularly the Roma minority.
Support for civil society remains a long-term priority of the Donor States. The selection of the Fund Operator for the programme was carried out through an open public tender by the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) in Brussels, which manages financial assistance for 15 beneficiary EU countries, including Slovakia. The Fund will be implemented by a consortium of trusted partners — Ekopolis Foundation, Carpathian Foundation and Open Society Foundation Bratislava. Together, they will distribute €9.7 million through seven grant calls, supporting civil society organisations and community movements across Slovakia.
“A well-working civil society is essential for a stable democracy. Our responsibility is to direct support to those who protect people’s rights, bring real solutions, and push for transparent public governance. We are honoured that our consortium was trusted by the Donor States — and proud that Slovakia is launching the very first programme under the 2021–2028 financial mechanisms,”
— Peter Medveď, Director, Ekopolis Foundation
The programme officially opens in January 2026, with a launch event and the first grant calls.
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