Joint statement by the implementing foundations of the program "Our Common Values"

The program "Our Common Values " was set up to support Hungarian civil society organizations by distributing EU Funds. We support initiatives that strengthen European values and protect fundamental rights. Our grantees build communities acting in solidarity and working for a free, democratic and inclusive society. The program is open to civil society organisations that "engage in public affairs and work for the public good, for the well-being of individuals, groups or society as a whole, but do not seek political power." This is a fundamental condition, included in all calls for proposals under the program.

And yet, civil society organizations are often stigmatised and subjected to smear campaigns for their engagement in public affairs. They are harassed by authorities to keep active citizens in uncertainty and fear. The same is happening now with Átlátszónet and Göd-Ért Association. We stand by our gratees in every instances of harrasment they face because of our support, and give them all the help they need.

In regards to the grant of Átlátszónet and the Göd-Ért Association, we state the following:

• On 6 June 2023, Átlátszónet won a grant under the call "In Partnership" of the program "Our Common Values", involving Göd-Ért Association as a partner. The aim of the project is to support the work of local groups and residents concerned about the battery factories being built, to strengthen their cooperation and to make their cause visible. However, in March 2024, the Göd-Ért Association decided to run candidates in the local elections, so in consultation with Átlátszónet and the implementing foundations of the program, it withdrew from the project in accordance with the call for applications.
• Göd-Ért's partner agreement with Átlátszónet Foundation was terminated by mutual agreement on 26 March 2024. Göd-Ért settled the funds used up to that date and returned the unused funds to the Átlátszónet Foundation before the start of the election campaign. All this was also reported by atlatszo.hu. The next interim project reports of Átlátszónet have been checked and accepted, and the project has continued without the Göd-Ért Association since 26 March 2024. 

As a member of the European Union, we use its resources to support civil society organisations so that, as a result of their work, everyone in our country can enjoy their rights, participate in shaping their own lives and have a say in public affairs, regardless of where they come from, how they think or what their circumstances are. We believe in the power of active citizens, in communities helping each other and standing up for what matters, hence our message to all civil society organizations: don't let them scare you - your work is important!

Veronika Móra, director of Ökotárs Foundation
András Nun, director of Autonomia Foundation
Boglárka Bata, director of Kárpátok Foundation Hungary Foundation
Edit Kovács, president of the Hungarian Association for Community Development