EEA and Norway Grants 2021–2028
Core Indicators
Library
A standardised framework for defining and measuring programme outcomes and outputs, enabling consistent data collection, aggregation and reporting across the Grants.
or browse all 245 indicators- core indicators
- 245
- programme areas
- 15
- funds
- 3
Background & purpose
When multiple programmes use the same indicators, results can be aggregated — helping to tell the Grants’ overall results story.
Core indicators have been a key component of results-based management since the Financial Mechanisms 2014–2021. The FMO has developed an updated and expanded library for 2021–2028, drawing on effective indicators from the previous period and aligning with the EU Results Framework where relevant. Indicators exist for every programme area and fund in the Blue Book.
Standardisation
Consistent methodology for data collection and reporting across Programme and Fund Operators.
Aggregation
Results can be aggregated across programmes and countries.
What the library offers
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Flexible menu
Choose standardised indicators outcome-by-outcome and output-by-output, and combine them with programme-specific ones.
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Thematic mapping
Indicators are mapped to Blue Book programme areas and funds. For the Civil Society Fund, they are mapped to its pre-defined outcome and output statements.
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Bilateral indicators
Standard indicators for key dimensions of partnership quality, including the mandatory “level of” indicators tracked through the FMO bilateral survey.
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Customisable
Many indicators can be customised by target group or theme while staying compatible with aggregation.
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Living tool
The library is regularly updated and expanded based on feedback.
Application in the programme cycle
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Programme design
The FMO supports Programme Operators and Fund Operators in selecting core indicators for their Results Frameworks, outcome-by-outcome and output-by-output. Where no suitable core indicator exists, programme-specific indicators are developed with the support of the FMO Results and Evaluation (R&E) Unit. 2–3 indicators are recommended per outcome and output statement.
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Monitoring and reporting
Core indicators enable results to be aggregated across programmes and countries. Reports use them to substantiate key achievements with quantifiable data, and the consistent methodology keeps results comparable.
Difficulty levels
Every indicator carries a traffic-light rating for the complexity of its data collection and reporting. The bar shows how the library is distributed.
Tips for using the library
Start from your outcomes
Systematically review each outcome and output statement, noting the area of support it reflects, and select core indicators that align with them.
Filter smartly
Search by keyword or indicator code, or filter by programme area or fund. For bilateral indicators, use the related filter.
Focus on feasibility
Consider reporting feasibility, not just quantity. Use the difficulty levels to assess how complex data collection and reporting will be.