Publications

In the first part of the report, we present the findings and the conclusions from the research conducted as part of the project, with the use of an online questionnaire and in the form of focus groups discussions. A total of 70 organisations took part to the research.  The research aimed to bring light to the problems and challenges CSOs face, especially in relation to the implementation of the national law and the relevant administrative and financial obligations. At the same time, we aimed to collect specific recommendations aimed at creating a more enabling environment for CSOs in Cyprus. The recommendations are presented in the second part of the report and address four key areas including:

1.  Implementation of the provisions of the Law 104(I)/2017 on Associations, Foundations, Federations and Unions of organisations
2.  Banking system
3.  Funding – financial sustainability
4.  Recognition of the Civil Society contribution by the State.

The report is produced as part of the project “For Stronger CSOs: Advocacy and capacity building for the empowerment of CSOs”. The project benefits from a grant under the Active Citizens Fund Cyprus programme, funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, through the EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021.

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), meaning organised civil society, have an important role to play in society as they represent the voice of independent active citizens, and engage in various sectors, providing services, programs as well as policy recommendations. Nonetheless, there are numerous myths and misconceptions about NGOs, some of which we address in this document. Through the clarifications provided we aim to highlight the role and importance of NGOs in modern societies.

#Facts4NGOsCY

The publication is published as part of the project “For Stronger CSOs: Advocacy and capacity building for the empowerment of CSOs”. The project benefits from a grant under the Active Citizens Fund Cyprus programme, funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, through the EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021.

The Guide explains what has changed as a result of the adoption of the new Law about Associations, Foundations and Federations ( L.104(I)/2017), and provides guidance to existing Associations and Institutions regarding the actions they should take, as well as information to individuals interested in establishing a new Association, Foundation or Federation.

The authors of the policy paper are:

• Mr. Jeremy McBride (Barrister, Monckton Chambers, London) representing the Expert Council on Non Govermental Organisations (NGOs) Law of the Council of Europe’s Conference of INGOs
• Mr. Yiannis Yiannaki, Office for the Commissioner for Volunteerism and Non Governmental Organizations, Republic of Cyprus
• Representatives of the Cyprus NGO Initiative for Law Reform

The paper analyses the international legislative framework for NGOs, the state of Civil Society in Cyprus, and presents an action plan for strengthening Civil Society in Cyprus. The policy paper, with slight changes, was adopted by the Council of Ministers and it was published by the Republic of Cyprus in 2017 (in Greek).

Presentations from workshops/seminars entitled:

"Learn how to prepare your financial accounts (obligation under the new law on associations & foundations)."

(October - November 2019)