Norway restores €254 million in financial aid to Hungary

Norway has reached an agreement to resume financial aid to Hungary, ending a ten-year impasse. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide announced that a deal worth €254.1 million has been struck under the Norwegian and European Economic Area (EEA) grants program.

Funding had been suspended during the 2014–2021 cycle because the previous administration, led by Viktor Orbán, could not reach an agreement regarding the appointment of an independent entity to manage the funds. The resumption of aid follows a political shift in Budapest under the leadership of Peter Magyar, which has seen the adoption of European standards.

The current funding cycle covers 2021–2028, though payments may continue until April 2031. Hungary ranks as the fourth-largest beneficiary among the 15 participating countries, following Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland. The funds are earmarked for essential reforms, including democratic stability, anti-corruption measures, press freedom, environmental sustainability, and the rule of law.