PM says gov't encourages work of NGOs, volunteering

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Thursday his government recognised the importance and role of civil society organisations and that it encouraged both the work of NGOs and volunteering.

Speaking at NGOs Open Day, Plenkovic said there was an institutional and a financial framework for working with NGOs. He said HRK 1.6 billion was allocated for civil society organisations in 2015, when associations had 36,000 programmes and projects.

The fact that about 30,000 of 50,000 registered NGOs are active speaks to their contribution to the shaping of a better and socially more equitable society, Plenkovic said at the Croatian Music Institute, one of the oldest associations in Croatia which this year marked 190 years of activity.

By Saturday, NGOs will organise more than 430 events, with special emphasis on projects and programmes financed from public sources.

NGOs make over HRK 6 billion in revenues annually, of which HRK 1.6 billion are public donations, said Vesna Lendic Kasalo, acting head of the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs. NGOs employ over 13,000 persons and have over 40,000 volunteers, she added.

"Including citizens in every field of social activity contributes to the development of a democratic and participating community, and facilitates what is most important, citizens' initiative," said Plenkovic.

The government recognises the importance of the activity of civil society organisations, encourages both their work and volunteering, and develops their cooperation with state bodies, doing it all in the spirit of partnership and joint action.

Text: Hina

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