On the occasion of the establishment of the NGO Programme, various Greek participants were invited to join a discussion in Athens on December 2nd 2012. - The purpose of the meeting was to receive inputs on possible future activities of support in light of current challenges and needs of the civil society in Greece, said Ambassador Ingrid Schulerud from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She also informed that NGO funds have been established in several of the beneficiary states to strengthen civil society development – a cornerstone of any fair and transparent democracy. The 2009-2014 financial period will be the first time the
EEA grants in Greece include such a fund.
Amongst the suggestions on areas of support by the various NGOs were refugee issues, antidiscrimination programmes, capacity building in NGOs and labour market issues, especially focusing on the young generation. Also support to gender equality issues, forest preservation and environment protection were mentioned.
Ambassador Schulerud informed the participants that there will be a call for interest in February to appoint a programme operator that will administrate the NGO fund. This will not be a public entity, but an NGO or a foundation closely connected to the NGO sector.
Read more about the EEA Grants here.