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Freedoms of NGOs

We use the term non-governmental organisation (NGO) to mean an organisation that is independent from the government, that is not a business, and that works to promote the well being of everyone in society. Typically, NGOs work to protect the environment, fight corruption, stop governments misusing their powers to abuse vulnerable groups, and protect liberties and freedoms from government interference. NGOs are vital to democracy: they keep the people informed about laws and policies that affect their rights, they help the public give their opinion to politicians and they help make sure that governments don't break the law. Because of this, governments across the EU are making life difficult for NGOs, for example by making it harder for them to receive donations. This topic covers the work we do to persuade the EU to protect the freedoms that NGOs need to do their job.

Read our explainer on NGOs

Read our policy paper on restrictions facing NGOs in the EU

Read our policy paper proposing a new fund for NGOs in the EU: the European Values Instrument

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Freedoms of NGOs articles