The Slovak Fico government is determined to take a hard line on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in national politics. Aiming to strengthen transparency and protect the country’s sovereignty, legislation has been proposed that would oblige NGOs that directly influence legislative and political processes to register as lobbyists officially.
This legislative initiative, promoted by MP Adam Luczanski, establishes new rules such as the obligation for NGOs to disclose the identity of anyone donating more than 5,000 euros per year and the composition of their governing bodies and advisory boards. Although some liberal sectors and NGOs have labeled these measures as “Putin-style legislation,” the government defends the urgent need to ensure that influences on national legislation are transparent and accountable to citizens.
Slovakia’s move comes in a significant international context following the recent scandal involving the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Under a supposed facade of humanitarian aid and international cooperation, USAID has been revealed to have unduly influenced the internal affairs of several countries, promoting political interests aligned with globalist and progressive agendas.
Responding to criticism, Prime Minister Robert Fico strongly rebutted that there are any comparisons between Russia and Slovakia. “They don’t know what to protest against anymore, so they make up another lie,” he said on April 2nd. Indeed, these comparisons, far from discrediting the proposal, could be seen as a knee-jerk reaction to any serious attempt at oversight and accountability.
The issue is not unique to Slovakia but represents a broader European problem. Numerous European governments face similar challenges related to externally funded NGOs, whose transparency about their fundamental objectives and policy activities is questionable.
A recent MCC Brussels report has unveiled how Brussels funds NGOs to promote its progressive agenda under the guise of supporting independent civil society.
