Updates

New measures are expected to help investigative journalists and civil society organisations to obtain timely data when requesting access to public information from a wider range of entities.

Draft law has been submitted for public discussion, with very short notice to receive comments.

One of the new rules is expected to positively affect CSOs, as it reduces tax burdens, but harsher penalties will be applied for violations of media laws.

New avenues for public participation will increase the involvement of civil society in decision-making and support the country’s EU accession plans.

Recent arrests give cause for concern about the protection of freedom of expression as well as the government’s commitment to supporting the critical process of European integration.

Definition proposed by CSOs’ not included in new law.

The draft addresses key CSO Meter recommendations. However, a mandatory contract between the volunteer and the host organisation - even for short-term volunteers - remains an issue.

CSOs request the Parliament to consider their recommendations and revise the draft to be clearer and less restrictive.

The new programme would enable more input from CSOs in decision-making, and increase their financial sustainability.

Intercommunity Development Associations will become effectively functional starting from this year.

Changes will affect civil society members and CSOs conducting media activities, threatening with high penalties for violating vaguely worded provisions.

Demonstartions continued until process of dropping the bill was clarified.