Together with UNDP-ACT Cyprus ECNL organized a regional conference concerning the legal and regulatory framework for NGOs and cooperation between the state and NGOs. The event was organized for Ministry and NGO officials from Cyprus and it hosted experts from the countries around Europe to share their experiences in this field. The event took place on November 27-28 in Nicosia.
Cyprus is currently undertaking a comprehensive NGO legal reform, targeting a wide range of issues affecting the work of NGOs (from registration, to status of public benefit/charity and tax issues). ECNL is working with local partners to support this process. The conference provided an opportunity for local stakeholders to learn from experiences of different countries in Europe as well receive guidance from European experts and institutions on what is considered best practice and what is most appropriate for the local circumstances. International speakers included:
- Mr. Jeremy McBride (Expert Council on NGO Law, Council of Europe);
- Mr. Balazs Sator (The Civil Society Development Foundation, Hungary);
- Mr. Benjamin Evans (Charity Commission International Programme, UK);
- Mr. Grzegorz Makowski (Institute of Public Affairs, Poland);
- Mr. Agu Laius (National Foundation of Civil Society, Estonia);
- Mr. Milan Andrejkovic (1. Slovak Nonprofit Service Center, Slovakia);
- Ms. Vanja Skoric (GONG, Croatia).
On behalf of ECNL Ms. Nilda Bullain and Ms. Katerina Hadzi-Miceva spoke at the event.