In its official reaction to the European Parliament Bureau’s decision to establish a Working Group on the transparency and efficiency of EU NGO funding, BCSDN raises concerns about the potential implications for the enabling environment of civil society in Europe. The network cautions that, while transparency remains essential, existing financial controls are already extensive and effective. BCSDN stresses the importance of avoiding measures that could inadvertently legitimise restrictive narratives or lead to the politicisation of civil society funding. The network calls for a principled and evidence-based approach to any review process, rooted in the EU’s foundational values and respectful of the role of civil society in upholding democracy and the rule of law. At a time when civic actors face growing pressures across the Union, BCSDN urges EU institutions to reinforce, rather than question, their support for independent and pluralistic civic engagement. Read more here.
Source: BCSDN
