On 30 September 2026, the Slovenian National Assembly adopted legislation that effectively dismantles the country’s NGO Development Fund, removing a key source of predictable public financing for civil society and putting hundreds of organisations and ongoing programmes at risk. The decision comes amid growing concerns about government measures affecting independent institutions, civil society and democratic oversight in Slovenia.

The newly adopted Act on the Public Fund for Advanced Treatment of Rare Diseases redirects the NGO Development Fund’s dedicated revenue to a new fund supporting advanced medical treatment for children with rare diseases, without providing an alternative financing mechanism for civil society. The legislation was adopted in just 13 days through an urgent parliamentary procedure, without prior public consultation and despite objections from civil society organisations.

During the parliamentary Health Committee hearing on 28 September, numerous organisations sought to present their concerns, but most were reportedly denied access, while those admitted were not allowed to speak. Proposed amendments intended to protect existing funding commitments were rejected.

Hundreds of NGOs and existing programmes at risk

Established in 2018, the NGO Development Fund has supported organisational development, employment, regional NGO support centres, national networks and co-financing for European projects. Since its establishment, approximately EUR 69 million has been allocated to 558 organisations, while EUR 16.1 million in national co-financing helped Slovenian NGOs secure approximately EUR 79 million in European funding.

The consequences of the legislative change could be immediate. The Government may redirect approximately EUR 12 million from the Fund, leaving EUR 7.6 million against EUR 12.6 million in existing contractual obligations. This creates a potential EUR 5 million shortfall affecting agreements already signed with more than 300 organisations.

Beyond the financial implications, the decision threatens the continuity of programmes and services across Slovenia. It is particularly concerning for organisations working on human rights, democracy, transparency and the rule of law, for which the Fund represented the only dedicated national public financing mechanism.

Growing pressure on civil society and independent institutions

The dismantling of the Fund follows a series of developments that have raised concerns about the operating environment for civil society since the change of government in March 2026.

CSOs have faced public accusations concerning their financing and political activities, while legislative changes affecting parliamentary inquiries have raised concerns about safeguards against politically motivated investigations. Additional developments include proposed changes to the appointment of public prosecutors, efforts to restructure the national equality body, and measures affecting the governance and financing of public-service broadcasting and independent media.

The pace of these developments is also a concern. The use of urgent and shortened legislative procedures limits opportunities for public scrutiny and participation, requiring CSOs to respond to significant policy changes within increasingly short timeframes.

Protecting civil society funding and democratic participation

Slovenian CSOs, including BCSDN member CNVOS, have stressed that ensuring treatment for children with rare diseases and maintaining support for civil society should not be presented as competing priorities. Both require sustainable public financing, and existing contractual commitments must be respected.

CNVOS has called on the Slovenian authorities to guarantee financing for all existing agreements, restore a stable and dedicated funding mechanism for NGOs, and ensure meaningful public consultation on future decisions affecting civil society.

The developments in Slovenia raise broader concerns about the protection of civic space, institutional independence and democratic accountability. The removal of established funding mechanisms, particularly when accompanied by limited consultation and uncertainty over existing commitments, risks weakening the capacity of civil society to provide essential services, defend fundamental rights and hold public institutions accountable.


Source: CNVOS, Civic Space Watch