Updates

Previously, taxpayers could only direct 2% of their income tax to CSOs when submitting tax declarations electronically.

The new online system does not address CSOs’ main concerns about obligatory registration of foreign aid, regardless of the amount received, and about the very narrow, closed list of possible purposes for the use of this aid.

CSOs outline some concerns during public consultation, and expect that the bill on access to public information will be further improved.

What is the state of civil society environment and digital rights in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine?

As part of an extensive reform, new opportunities open up for civil society to participate in decision-making processes.

Removal of the last remaining pandemic restriction will facilitate the process of registering new CSOs.

The decision comes after the body voted not to ratify the Azeri delegation’s credentials.

Azerbaijan was downgraded to partially compliant on Recommendation 8.

Government agreed to revise the law based on CSO contributions, which highlighted the law would be a step backwards in access to information.

Small organisations will face additional challenges when it comes to their financial sustainability due to the new Tax Code amendments.

CSOs criticise lack of transparency and participation in how new measures were adopted.

Priorities for reform seek to improve access to information, transparency and participation.