The cross-cutting issues – gender equality, good governance and sustainable development - are core criteria that apply to all projects irrespective of their priority sector and are to be regarded as interdependent.

The financial mechanisms’ commitment to gender equality means that gender perspectives should be reflected in all facets of the project, making the concerns and experiences of women as well as men an integral part of the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project. Gender considerations cannot simply be ‘added’ to projects that do not include a gender perspective from the outset.

The principles of freedom and democracy are gender equality’s normative foundation. Gender equality is freedom from discrimination, misrecognition and violations, and equal rights to participation. Due to unequal gender relations and power imbalances, formal rights do not necessarily imply equal possibilities. The importance and value of equality, as well as the need to safeguard human rights and broaden democracy, underline the financial mechanisms’ aim to contribute to furthering gender equality.

Please see the Gender Equality Policy and Guide for guidance on how the activities carried out under the mechanisms shall contribute to furthering gender equality.

Environmental and socio-economic improvements are closely interconnected, and sustainable development is therefore a fundamental principle underlying the financial mechanisms. Project promoters need to put the three pillars of sustainable development –environmental, economic and social responsibility – at the centre of project planning and combine them in a balanced interplay.

In additional to the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment, sound management within the concept of sustainable development implies transparency and an open and constructive dialogue with interested parties. Project promoters should have a clear understanding of their social and environmental responsibility and express this in their planning and daily project management.

Please see the Sustainable Development Policy and Guide for guidance on how the activities carried out under the mechanisms shall contribute to furthering sustainable development.

Good governance and a zero-tolerance policy towards corrupt behaviour are necessary to ensure the sustainable development of projects. Corruption undermines democracy and the rule of law, stifles economic growth and prevents societies from reaching their full potential. The donor states’ zero-tolerance policy on corruption is necessary if the core objective of the financial mechanisms – to reduce social and economic disparities within the EEA area is to be achieved.

All projects need to have a good-governance approach, encompassing the principles of accountability, transparency, participation and efficiency. Good governance can be seen as a pillar of democracy, where active participation by affected parties is made possible through transparency, including open access to information.

Please see the Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Policy and Guide for guidance how the activities carried out under the mechanisms shall contribute to furthering good governance and prevent corruption.