German Government Rebukes Union’s Inquiry on NGO Neutrality

The government dismisses claims of 'shadow structures' and defends funding for civic organizations as essential to democracy.

The German government responded to the Union's 551-question inquiry on the neutrality of state-funded NGOs, largely rejecting the allegations made.
The inquiry targeted 17 organizations, including 'Omas gegen Rechts' and 'Campact,' accusing them of political bias and questioning their funding and tax-exempt status.
The government emphasized the importance of civil society groups in promoting democracy and denied the existence of any 'shadow structures' funded by the state.
Only six of the 17 organizations in question receive federal funding, amounting to over €6.4 million in 2025, with the Amadeu Antonio Foundation receiving the largest share at €2.6 million.
Critics, including NGOs and opposition parties, labeled the Union's inquiry as an attack on civil society, while the Union maintained its stance on the need for political neutrality in state-funded organizations.