Alzheimer Europe has joined more than 570+ organisations from across the EU and beyond, in a joint call coordinated by Civil Society Europe, calling for an end to attacks on civil society organisations in the EU. The letter notes that a number of MEPs from different political groups have espoused misleading arguments to undermine and weaken civil society organisations, particularly around funding and support of these organisations by the EU. The statement highlights that whilst attacks against civil society are not new, for-profit corporate lobbying is at an all-time high and is significantly higher compared to non-profit advocacy.
Furthermore, the letter reiterates that European civil society organisations are crucial to ensure that the voices of citizens from different parts of Europe are heard in the EU institutions. It notes that democracy is about the right of citizens to be collectively heard for building an inclusive society and a shared European future; properly funded independent CSOs are a crucial tool for that. The letter closes by We call on decision-makers to ensure civil society organisations can thrive and play their role in interacting with policy-makers in order to have a more fully informed decision-making process. The full open letter is available at:
