"The left-wing majority of the EP would give unprecedented privileges to Soros organizations. It would take away the powers of the member states so that these organizations can now serve the interests of Brussels and be under Brussels control. The EP is once again supporting a usual left-wing manipulation"

In the report adopted at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, it condemns all attempts to restrict NGOs and their funding sources based on their goals, scope of activities or political opinion, the EU Parliament said on Thursday.

In the report on the legislative initiative approved with 530 votes, 146 against and 15 abstentions, the MEPs stated above all that civil organizations play an important role in maintaining the health of European democracy, the operation of effective policies and the preservation of the rule of law.

They expressed their concern that the operation of associations and non-profit civil organizations is increasingly hindered by national rules or administrative regulations. They stated: these obstacles are fundamental rights that have already been threatened in several EU member states, so they can also lead to restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of association. Due to the restrictive rules, several NGOs prefer not to start cross-border work, they wrote.

The representatives firmly rejected the denial of non-profit legal status to NGOs based on their real or perceived political activity, and they found it worrying that, as they wrote, elected officials and state organizations in several member states launched a smear campaign and abusive lawsuits against NGOs.

It was highlighted: for the operation of civil organizations, it is essential that they have an adequate amount of easily accessible resources based on a transparent and non-discriminatory procedure and through the creation of European-level public benefit status.

Finally, in the EP's report, in order to "eliminate legal uncertainty and create a strong pan-European civil society", it asked the European Commission to submit a legislative proposal that would create the possibility of establishing European-level associations and civil organizations.

Ernő Schaller-Baross and Balázs Hidvéghi , representatives of the European Parliament (EP) of Fidesz, warned in their joint statement sent to MTI that the EU Civil Code wants to elevate the Soros organizations above the law.

They called the proposal aimed at the creation of a new "Union Civil Code" voted by the European Parliament unacceptable, because in their opinion, the EP would raise non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that call themselves civil organizations and work for the realization of an "open society" above the law. It was also highlighted: the proposal initiates mandatory EU rules and would standardize the rules of the member states for civil organizations.

"The left-wing majority of the EP would give unprecedented privileges to Soros organizations. It would take away the powers of the member states so that these organizations can now serve the interests of Brussels and be under Brussels control. The EP is once again supporting a usual left-wing manipulation," said Ernő Schaller-Baross.

Balázs Hidvéghi emphasized in connection with the vote: there is no reason for civil organizations to receive any privileges or privileges. They must be subject to the same rules as others. Non-governmental organizations cannot be placed above the law either, said the politician, and added: it is obvious that the EP would exclude actors belonging to the Soros network from the scope of the laws.

MTI

Cover image: Source: Amnesty International