Government coalition planning to tighten law on NGOs

The Czech government coalition will push through a law on non-profit organizations, Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said in Brussels on Monday.

A working version of the bill, prepared by a group of MPs focuses on activities carried out in areas such as the public, political, media, educational, or academic space that may influence public opinion and debate. The proposal envisages the registration of both individuals and legal entities.

It defines foreign links as acting in the interest of a foreign entity, as well as performing advisory, analytical, communication, media, or educational activities connected to a foreign entity.

According to the minister, non-profit organizations that promote political goals should be as transparent as political parties.

The Czech opposition and a number of non-profit organizations have criticized the draft law, whose working version leaked to the public last week, saying the proposed draft mirrors Russian legislation.

Macinka dismissed the claim, pointing to similar regulations in the United States and Israel.