Comments on the bill on Civil Society Organizations

The Green Tank’s comments on the bill “Protection of volunteerism, strengthening the action of Civil Society, tax incentives to strengthen the public benefit action of the CSOs and other provisions” of the Ministry of Interior.

We consider that the initiative of the state to adopt an institutional framework concerning Civil Society Organizations is positive and in principle we agree with it. Besides, in this way, the contribution and the role of the organizations in the society and the economy of the country are indirectly recognized.

We welcome both the creation of the public database (art. 6) in which all CSOs can be easily registered, as well as the provision for the creation of a special registry with increased transparency and accountability obligations.

However, some of the conditions for registration in the special registry are considered to be particularly restrictive and that is why we have submitted special comments.

It is reminded that the Green Tank co-signed a joint statement signed by more than 300 bodies and participated in the relevant consultation on the bill with additional comments and suggestions.

Read our comments (in Greek) here.