Slovak Towns Union Urges President Not to Sign Amendment to NGO Law

Bratislava, May 5 (TASR) - The Slovak Towns Union (UMS) has called on President Peter Pellegrini not to sign the amendment to the law on NGOs, requesting that it should be returned to be reconsidered in Parliament via the proper legislative process with the involvement of all relevant partners, UMS spokesperson Daniela Pirselova reported on Monday. According to UMS, many essential services for Slovaks would be lacking without non-governmental organisations, as these groups often fill gaps left by both the state and local governments in key areas, while also being an integral part of a democratic society. "Through their expertise, experience and capacity, NGOs substitute for the state in many important areas relevant to communities and society as a whole. They're an invaluable part of activities in our towns, whether this is in education, social services, sport, culture, climate change or the circular economy," said Pirselova. In mid-April, UMS urged MPs to withdraw the proposed amendment to the law on NGOs, arguing it shouldn't have been submitted as a parliamentary initiative and raising concerns over the lack of proper consultation with the NGO sector, the absence of interdepartmental review and significant changes made via multiple amendments. In April, MPs from the governing coalition passed an amendment to the law on non-governmental organisations, introducing several changes. Among them is a new obligation for NGOs to produce a transparency report and disclose information on their use of public funds. Several non-profit organisations have called on President Pellegrini not to sign the bill, a stance also supported by the opposition. lin/df