The 2017 edition of the CSO Sustainability Index of Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia was published by the United States International Development Office, USAID. The report is prepared in cooperation with local experts and organizations each year. In compiling the chapter on Hungary the Ökotárs Foundation was the partner of USAID again.
Since 2010, under the government of the right-conservative Fidesz party, Hungary has experienced a serious backsliding in democracy and the rule of law, raising European and international concern. In its striving to achieve boundless power, the government has systematically dismantled the institutions of checks and balances, through such means as limiting the competences of the Constitutional Court and generally weakening the judiciary, curbing press freedom through media regulations and control of ownership, and taking central control over public education. This is coupled with a lack of transparency in public spending, the building of a clientele of government-friendly oligarchs and a weakening of social policies, leaving the vulnerable completely helpless. In this atmosphere, civil society organisations (CSOs) are among the few remaining independent voices that are not under the direct control of the ruling elite.
With our initiative launched in early autumn, we aim at helping the strengthening and development of the CSO sector through the expansion of regional civil cooperation and networks.
22 June 2018 - On 30 May 2018 the European Commission published a draft proposal for a Regulation on the “Rights and Values Programme” as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027.
In 2018, a total of 21 civic initiatives and condominium communities received support in the framework of the MOL Green Belt Program. Thanks to this, 15 community parks, 5 green condominium yards and 1 community garden were created.
Following the 2017 autumn tour and on the occasion of the Week of Citizen Participation, Ökotárs organized further local meetings in two cities, with the aim to present best practices of effective civic skills with the help of representatives of experienced organizations, such as fundraising, advocacy, and network development.
