With almost 10% of total non-reimbursable funds dedicated to Romania, Civil Society Fund Romania will support until 2031 civil society organisations working across the following priority 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.

CSDF, as Consortium Lead, signed the Implementation Agreement with the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) — the secretariat of the donor states – and serves as Fund Operator, responsible for the selection, contracting, and monitoring of projects. Its role runs through 28 February 2032, while grants will be implemented until 30 April 2031.

All activities funded through the programme must be in line with the shared European values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. All funded activities must be consistent with sustainable development, long-term economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental protection.

The implementation of Civil Society Fund Romania is governed by a set of principles established by the donor states, binding throughout the entire duration of the programme. The programme shall adhere to the principles of good governance (being participatory, inclusive, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective, and efficient) with zero tolerance towards corruption in any form.  Implementation follows a results and risk management approach, ensuring that resources are directed where they have the greatest and most lasting impact.

The consortium will proceed with the programme’s operational setup and the launch of competitive calls for proposals open to Romanian civil society organisations. The calls for proposals will contain further details on eligibility, application procedures, and timelines.

The launch event of the EEA Civil Society Fund for Romania brought together in Bucharest on the 2^nd of July 2026, more than 250 representatives of civil society organizations, public institutions, other donors, business community, and of other programs funded through the EEA and Norwegian Grants. The agenda included the presentation of the Civil Society Fund and the calls for proposals to be launched under the Programme, as well as a discussion on the role and importance of supporting civil society and the existing mechanisms at European and national level for protecting and strengthening civic space.