In an era marked by profound uncertainty across Europe, the need to reaffirm the shared commitment to cooperation, solidarity, and the defence of common values has never been more urgent.
The Reykjavík Declaration offers a clear strategic direction for this collective endeavour, a compass for future action.
Democracy needs constant nurturing and attention. Through the EEA and Norway Grants, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway show that democratic resilience begins by reducing the social and economic disparities between our citizens. They remind us that there is no true democracy without inclusion. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
The Council of Europe is the first international partner organisation to enter into cooperation under the newly established Fund for Capacity Building and Cooperation with International Partner Organisations and Institutions.
The framework agreement acknowledges the Council of Europe's unique professional expertise and role as a strategic partner and facilitates a more holistic and targeted effort.
Areas of cooperation under the agreement includes strategic advice to the Donor States both in preparation for Memoranda of Understanding and throughout the implementation phase, professional advice to programmes and national Programme Operators and participation as a partner in pre-defined projects in the Beneficiary States.
The Council of Europe will also provide leadership of multi-country projects, the so-called “mission-driven initiatives”, within thematic areas where the Council of Europe has proven comparative expertise, and where the efforts align with the strategic priorities of the Donor States.
With the EEA and Norway Grants, we aim to strengthen civil society and democratic resilience, while reducing social and economic disparities throughout Europe. The Council of Europe is an ideal partner in this effort. Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway
Ambassador Helge Seland from the Norwegian Permanent Delegation to the Council of Europe. © Council of Europe
As part of the renewed partnership and strengthened cooperation, five long term “mission-driven initiatives”, aligned with the Council of Europe’s priorities and consistent with the recently launched Democratic Pact will be launched and the agreements were signed today.
These 5-year flagship initiatives will be implemented by the Council of Europe across all 15 Beneficiary States, reinforcing key areas where the organisation plays a leading role. The renewed partnership with these flagship initiatives enhances the Council of Europe’s capacity to respond effectively to the complex challenges facing Europe today.
As a partner in this cooperation, Iceland welcomes the continued collaboration with the Council of Europe. Through the EEA Grants, we are strengthening democratic values, human rights and the rule of law principles that are at the heart of our shared European identity. Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Foreign Minister from Iceland
The five flagship projects central in the renewed partnership, are these:
- Pathways to end violence against women
- Protection of human rights and rule of law principles, balanced with transparency about foreign influence
- Strengthening societal resilience to disinformation in Europe (RESIST)
- Prevention and combating of corruption and money laundering
- Combating hate crimes and hate speech
The cooperation with the Council of Europe reflects our deep commitment to building a fairer, more cohesive Europe. By investing in institutional capacity and standards, we contribute to long-term progress across the EEA. Sabine Monauni, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Liechtenstein
Managing Director of the EEA and Norway Grants. Ragna Fidjestøl, and Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Bjørn Berge. © Council of Europe
Read more about the Council of Europe and the cooperation here.