The Network of Estonian Nonprofit Organizations is concerned that the Ministry of Finance wants to reduce EU funding for civil society.
Currently, discussions are ongoing about how to distribute EU funds. This is not yet a final decision. If funding decreases, not all needs can be met.
The government reviewed the priorities of the national plan on September 15. A more detailed plan will be finalized later. It will be submitted to the European Commission in 2027.
NGOs want the government to review the fund distribution again. They also want the distribution to be public.
The Ministry of Finance states that smaller current funding does not mean less money will be allocated. Ministries applied for a total of 11.4 billion euros. Approximately 5.5 billion may be received.
The allocation of funds is not yet final. Negotiations with the European Union are still ongoing. Estonia aims to reach an agreement by 2027.
The Network of Estonian Nonprofit Organizations is dissatisfied with the ministry's response. They want to know if the funds will be allocated correctly. In recent years, funding for NGOs has decreased.
The Ministry of Finance did not disclose the details of the fund distribution. They said it could harm Estonia's relations. NGOs asked the Data Protection Inspectorate whether this was correct.