We appeal to the government to simplify regulations concerning civil society organizations

Together with the National Federation of Polish NGOs (Ogólnopolska Federacja Organizacji Pozarządowych, OFOP), we sent an appeal to the leaders of the parties forming the government to simplify the regulations concerning social activities. 

Text of the appeal:

On September 29, 2023, the Civic Coalition, Third Way, and New Left signed formal declarations in which they committed to simplifying regulations for civil society organizations, engaging in real civic dialogue, reforming the rules for financing social activities, and developing philanthropy. On December 13, 2023, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in his exposé that one of the important points of the new government's program would be to rebuild a healthy, friendly relationship between the central government and non-governmental organizations. 

Less than two years after these events, the situation of social organizations has not improved. People working in non-governmental organizations (members, volunteers, employees), instead of engaging in specific social activities, have to spend dozens of hours analyzing regulations and implementing them. Understanding these regulations is difficult even for lawyers. 

The non-governmental sector has already developed and presented many specific proposals to facilitate social and civic activities . Unfortunately, none of them have even been included in the legislative and programmatic work plan of the Council of Ministers. Following the government reshuffle, non-governmental organizations have lost their minister dedicated to civil society, which further deepens their concern about the possibility of implementing the proposals they have developed. 

At the same time, observing the rapid pace of work on solutions facilitating business activity (deregulation projects proposed by the so-called Rafał Brzoska team), we find it even more difficult to understand why work on deregulation for non-governmental organizations has come to a standstill.  

In view of the above situation, we kindly ask you to take urgent legislative action, using the proposals already developed by social organizations, which will allow for the rapid implementation of the necessary legal changes and unleash the full potential of citizens and non-profit organizations in activities for the common good.