Norway wants to settle the 2021–2028 EEA Grants envelope earmarked for Hungary: according to state secretary Astrid Bergmål talks would continue with the new Hungarian government, ideally by summer. The envelope is NOK 2.8 billion, about HUF 91.8 billion.
EEA Grants are funded by Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein to strengthen civil society, democracy and human rights in 15 less-developed EU countries. Norway provides 97 percent of the money. Bergmål said the funds should back projects that reinforce freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights.
For SMEs the stake is practical: a deal could reopen an international co-financing channel. In the previous cycle Hungary received nothing after the government walked away from the envelope in 2021 rather than let independent bodies decide civil-society grants. The outcome of the talks will shape which funds micro and small firms can reach in the coming years.
Source: 444.hu, 19 April 2026
