Slovenian government abolishes NGO fund and raises wider concern for democracy

Led by Prime Minister Janez Janša, the national-conservative government is systematically dismantling democratic safeguards in Slovenia, specifically targeting organisations dedicated to human rights, anti-corruption, and the rule of law.

According to Civic Space Watch, "attacks on civil society organisation, allegations of non-transparent financing, and accusations of political activity were already prominent during the election campaign", and on 30 September 2026, the Slovenian National Assembly, without any public consultation, dismantled the NGO Development Fund, putting hundreds of civil society organisations and ongoing programmes at immediate financial risk.

This move could create a potential €5 million gap for more than 300 NGOs that have already signed agreements. The money is said to be redirected to a new fund for the treatment of children with rare diseases. As Eurochild has highlighted several times, anti-rights movements often claim these actions are done to protect children and families.

The Council of Europe also expressed concern about the situation and in open letter called on the government to:

• Reconsider the decision to remove the NGO Development Fund’s dedicated revenue without establishing a sustainable replacement;
• Guarantee full and timely financing of existing contractual commitments, and ensure that no signed agreement is reduced, suspended or terminated as a result of the funding change; and
• Consult meaningfully with civil society organisations and relevant stakeholders on any future reform of the funding system.

In 2021, as reported by Politico, the Slovenian Prime Minister, who served a prison sentence for corruption in 2013, sparked controversy with social media posts "pushing far-right conspiracies in an attempt to discredit the leader of a European Parliament delegation visiting his country".

According to Deutsche Welle, Slovenia’s LGBTQ+ community is facing a more hostile climate under the current government, which removed the rainbow flag from the Culture Ministry shortly before Ljubljana’s Pride Parade. Activists say anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric has grown despite recent legal gains, including marriage equality, while warning that political signals could normalise hostility.

Media organisations also reported intimidation, and the National Assembly threatened to remove funds for public broadcasting.

On 11 October 2026, Slovenians rejected a government bill in a referendum, dealing a setback to the Prime Minister’s reform plans. The bill would have expanded parliamentary inquiry powers and required people summoned to testify to appear immediately, with no court challenge until the inquiry ended.

Futher reading:

• Read about Eurochild's campaign Fighting Anti-Rights Movements
• Listen to theEurochild podcast episodes on the attacks on civil society and on shrinking funds for NGOs.