Government Defends NGO Funding Against Union Critique

The German federal government has firmly rejected the Union's allegations of a 'shadow structure' emerging from state-funded NGOs. In light of the Union's inquiry, the government emphasized that supporting NGOs is a vital expression of civil society. Despite criticisms from the Union and AfD linked to migration policy, the government maintained that the financial backing for organizations like Omas gegen Rechts, Campact, and BUND is justified.

The controversy arose after the Union submitted a detailed inquiry containing 551 questions concerning the funding of various NGOs. The CDU and CSU defended their inquiry, while receiving backlash from around 200 organizations and individuals, who penned open letters dismissing the Union's allegations.

Responding to the inquiry, the government highlighted that several NGOs, including the Amadeu Antonio Stiftung and Correctiv, were slated to receive over 6.4 million euros in funding. However, specific details about certain organizations were withheld, citing political neutrality and jurisdictional responsibility of the states.

The government asserted that NGOs are permitted to engage in political activities, supported by an existing public lobby register and constitutional guarantees of assembly freedom. Despite the Union's demands for more information, the government refrained from offering extensive details, arguing that the parliamentary oversight process does not necessitate such exhaustive data preparation.

The Union's inquiry, especially its focus on the political neutrality and state funding of NGOs, sparked significant debate, reflecting the ongoing tension between governmental support for civil society and political scrutiny. This discourse underscores the complex dynamics between state policy, civil engagement, and political opposition in Germany.