The undermining of Civil Society Organizations compromises society itself and the institutional functioning of Democracy. 

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Honorable Prime Minister,

The undersigned Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) address you with deep concern regarding recent public statements made by current and former government officials (1) that disparage the work and transparency of CSOs and downgrade the role of volunteerism, even in relation to the recent deadly wildfires. These statements do not merely harm the Organizations; they undermine society itself and the institutional framework of democracy.

As you have also maintained in the past (2), Civil Society plays an essential and serious role in every modern democratic society. CSOs are internationally recognized (3) as a fundamental means for engaging and involving citizens in public affairs.

Organizations—which represent an extension of Civil Society in a more structured form, with a continuous presence and contribution to their respective public benefit fields—are agents of modernization for societies. They are, undeniably, forces that offer invaluable work in protecting human rights, the environment, and the quality of life for us all. Operating with transparency, public accountability, and enhanced social participation, they serve as driving forces of positive progress for modern democracies by highlighting social needs, protecting human rights and the environment, and proposing solutions to systemic problems, while mitigating significant social contradictions. In all mature democracies, Civil Society is a critical institutional interlocutor, not a scapegoat.

We are not adversaries of the State—on the contrary, our role is complementary. We strengthen its foundations and support millions of citizens, as well as the country itself.

Regarding announcements concerning audits targeted at those who express disagreement with current policies, these constitute a dangerous slippery slope. We emphasize that institutional oversight is not only legitimate but also essential—and that is precisely why we are the first to seek it, through our proposals for the National Action Plan for Civil Society, as well as numerous initiatives and letters aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability.

However, when oversight is presented as a threat or a tool for punishment, it turns into a means of blackmail, intimidation, and silencing. Such a practice stands in direct opposition to a series of relevant laws and regulations at both national and international levels. In all mature democracies, audits are applied based on institutional criteria and not as a political tool.

Prime Minister,

Civil Society is the citizens themselves, and they cannot be treated with hostility, disparagement, or indifference.

We call upon the government and you personally to condemn these statements and to establish a culture of respect and cooperation with Civil Society, recognizing its vital role as a fundamental partner in good governance, the adherence to institutions, and the defense of our democracy.

In a period of global changes, the challenges facing our country are multifaceted. Democracies are called upon to be effective across a range of situations, while simultaneously maintaining open communication with their citizens and protecting their rights. Reality demonstrates that only this practice yields substantial results and prosperity.

For our part, we will continue to offer our multidimensional work, increasing citizens' trust in institutions and, ultimately, strengthening our democracy during a period when it is constantly under threat on a global level.

The signing Civil Society Organizations and Representatives:

1. ActionAid Hellas
2. Aegean Rebreath
3. ANIMA
4. Babel Day Centre/Syn-eirmos NGO of Social Solidarity
5. CHALLEDU
6. Cyclades Preservation Fund Non-Profit Co. (CPF)
7. Emfasis Non Profit
8. GIVMED Share medicine Share life
9. Greenpeace
10. HIGGS
11. Home Project
12. incommon Non-Profit Co.
13. Inter Alia
14. INTERSOS HELLAS
15. IRC Hellas
16. iSea
17. Ithaca Laundry
18. Lean In Network Greece-Athens
19. Melissa Network
20. Panos & Cressida 4 Life
21. People Behind
22. Praksis
23. Promitheas
24. ProNoos Non-Profit Co.
25. Save your Hood
26. SHE SOCIETY FOR HELP AND EMPOWERMENT Non-Profit Co.
27. SolidarityNow
28. Spetses Care For Animals Non-Profit Co.
29. Terre des hommes Hellas
30. Vouliwatch
31. We Need Books
32. WHEN Equity Empowerment Change
33. WWF Greece
34. RODAKAS Non-Profit Co.
35. Synapseis Non-Profit Co.
36. ARCHELON
37. Doctors of the World (Médecins du Monde Greece)
38. Desmos Non-Profit Foundation
39. Reading for Others
40. Network for Children’s Rights
41. EKPIZO - Consumer Association "The Quality of Life"
42. HELLENIC CONSUMER ORGANIZATION OF FLORINA
43. Hellenic Rescue Team
44. Hellenic Network Against Poverty
45. Hellenic Network for the Right to Shelter and Housing
46. Greek Helsinki Monitor
47. Greek Patients Association
48. Union of Small and Medium Civil Society Organizations of Greece
49. Science Communication - SciCo
50. SOCIETY OF SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY P. SAKELLAROPOULOS
51. KALLISTO - Wildlife and Nature Conservation Society
52. CARITAS ATHENS
53. Caritas Hellas
54. Diotima Centre
55. Cancer Guidance Center - Kapa3
56. KMOP
57. "FRONTIZO" - Non-Profit Association for the Support and Care of the Elderly and People with Disabilities
58. Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA)
59. New Agriculture New Generation
60. OIKANOS Social Cooperative Enterprise (SCE)
61. ACTIVE YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN MACEDONIA
62. SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGES GREECE
63. Association for the Care of Minors and Youth
64. Positive Voice – Hellenic Association of People Living with HIV

Footnotes:

(1) ERT, August 20, 2025, show "Syndeseis" & MEGA, August 13, 2025, show "Koinonia Ora Mega" 

(2) December 1, 2021, meeting with the Greek Patients Association, on the occasion of World AIDS Day

(3) The complementary role of Civil Society in a democratic state has been widely recognized by both the United Nations and the European Union. In the European Union (EU), Article 15 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union recognizes the role of Civil Society in the good governance of the EU. Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union emphasizes the need for the EU to maintain an open, transparent, and regular dialogue with Civil Society organizations, for instance, when EU legislative proposals are being drafted.