May 12, 2026, marked the official launch of the implementation in Bulgaria of the EEA Civil Society Fund – the European Economic Area and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms’ new programme for civil society support.
The objective of the programme is to contribute to a strong, vibrant and resilient civil society protecting and promoting democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
The allocation for the EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria (CSF) is over 23 million EUR and is funded entirely by Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. As of now, it represents the largest commitment the donor countries have made to civil society in the country. It is expected that by 2031 the Fund will have supported over 300 CSOs’ initiatives in the following areas:
- Democratic values, civic engagement, information integrity and media literacy
- Civil society participation in democratic processes
- Human rights, anti-discrimination, and social justice
- Gender equality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, and LGBTIQ+ rights
- Climate action, environmental protection, and a just green transition
- Organisational development and an enabling environment for civil society
Alongside, the Fund will support Roma empowerment, including Roma organisations and Roma women and girls, as well as refugees and migrants. Other specific for Bulgaria areas of work will be the challenges faced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and actions against gender-based violence. The CSF encourages initiatives in partnership with organisations from the donor countries.
The operator of the EEA Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria is a consortium of civil society organisations led by the Open Society Institute – Sofia, with the participation of the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation, the Trust for Social Achievement Foundation, and Civil Society Norway (Frivillighet Norge). The operator was selected following an open and competitive tender procedure.
