{"id":613,"date":"2025-05-14T19:10:26","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T19:10:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/?page_id=613"},"modified":"2025-05-25T17:30:04","modified_gmt":"2025-05-25T17:30:04","slug":"cvo-notes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/?page_id=613","title":{"rendered":"CVO NOTES"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"482\" height=\"87\" src=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-14-211405.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-617\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-14-211405.jpg 482w, https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-14-211405-300x54.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 482px) 100vw, 482px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advanced Legal Opinion on the Maltese Voluntary Sector Reform (2024\u20132025)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I. Executive Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Government of Malta has proposed reforms to the voluntary and not-for-profit (NPO) sector aimed at \u201cstreamlining\u201d regulation and improving governance. However, a critical legal analysis reveals that these proposals risk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Undermining constitutionally and internationally protected freedoms (e.g. association, expression).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enabling excessive and unchecked powers for the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (CVO).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Violating fundamental principles of EU law, including proportionality, non-discrimination, and subsidiarity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This report outlines legal and institutional dangers raised by the reforms and provides a framework to assess their legality under <strong>Maltese law<\/strong>, <strong>EU law<\/strong>, and <strong>international human rights law<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">II. Proposed Changes and Expanded CVO Powers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Mandatory Notification for All Voluntary Entities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Even unregistered organisations or informal groups will be required to notify or declare their existence to the CVO.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal Risk<\/strong>: Violates the principle of freedom of association by requiring all voluntary activity to be disclosed and monitored.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>CVO Power to Categorise Organisations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All entities will be labelled as either:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Public Purpose &amp; Public Benefit Organisation (NP-Org)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Public Purpose &amp; Private Benefit Organisation (PR-Org)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CVO can unilaterally determine and change these classifications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Registration Linked to Tax, Funding &amp; Property<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Only CVO-approved organisations will be eligible for:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Public funding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tax exemptions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use of public infrastructure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CVO effectively controls access to these benefits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Monitoring, Investigations &amp; Sanctions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The CVO will gain broad investigatory powers:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Request documents and enter premises.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suspend or deregister organisations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Block access to bank accounts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Powers can be exercised <strong>without a court warrant<\/strong> or independent oversight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">III. Analysis Under Maltese Law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A. <strong>Violation of Constitutional Freedoms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Freedom of Association<\/strong> (Article 42, Maltese Constitution):\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mandatory declaration, registration, and classification create an indirect obligation to submit to state control.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Particularly harmful to grassroots, informal, or advocacy-based groups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">B. <strong>Disproportionate Executive Powers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The CVO\u2019s ability to interfere, investigate, and penalise with minimal judicial oversight <strong>violates the principle of separation of powers<\/strong> under Maltese constitutional doctrine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">C. <strong>Legal Certainty &amp; Rule of Law<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vague or undefined concepts (e.g., &#8220;private benefit&#8221;) open the door to arbitrary classification and abuse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organisations may be punished or restricted <strong>without a clear legal basis<\/strong> or fair trial rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IV. Conflict with EU Law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A. <strong>Violation of Fundamental Rights (Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Article 12(1)<\/strong> \u2013 Right to freedom of association.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 11<\/strong> \u2013 Freedom of expression.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 21<\/strong> \u2013 Non-discrimination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Imposing broad regulatory powers and bureaucratic burdens disproportionately affects minority organisations, dissenting voices, and informal voluntary groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">B. <strong>Breach of Proportionality Principle (TEU, Article 5)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The restrictions imposed are not necessary or proportionate to achieve legitimate public interest goals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Less restrictive measures<\/strong> (e.g., voluntary registration, incentive-based regulation) are available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">C. <strong>Interference with Internal Market Freedoms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Discriminatory access to EU-funded programs and services for only &#8220;approved&#8221; organisations may breach EU rules on free movement of services and capital.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">V. Violations of International Human Rights Law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A. <strong>UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Article 22<\/strong> \u2013 Right to freedom of association.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Any restrictions must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate in a democratic society.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blanket registration and categorisation are incompatible with this principle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">B. <strong>European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Article 11<\/strong> \u2013 Right to association.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly held that registration regimes <strong>must not interfere with the essence of freedom of association.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">C. <strong>UN Special Rapporteur Reports<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The UN Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association has condemned similar laws in other countries that:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Require registration to operate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grant regulators power to dissolve or freeze groups arbitrarily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limit access to funding based on political views or compliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VI. Summary of Legal Incompatibilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Legal Framework<\/th><th>Conflict Raised by Reform<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Maltese Constitution<\/strong><\/td><td>Restriction on association (Art. 42), lack of due process<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>EU Law<\/strong><\/td><td>Discrimination, lack of proportionality, restriction on market freedoms<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>ECHR\/ICCPR<\/strong><\/td><td>Unlawful restrictions on freedom of association and expression<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rule of Law<\/strong><\/td><td>Arbitrary classifications, unchecked executive powers<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VII. Recommendations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Immediate Legal Review by Parliament &amp; Attorney General<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All proposals should undergo scrutiny by constitutional and EU law experts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Halt or Revise Mandatory Registration Proposal<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consider adopting <strong>voluntary-based frameworks<\/strong> that incentivise transparency rather than enforce it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Limit CVO Powers<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Introduce <strong>judicial oversight<\/strong> before investigation or suspension powers are used.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establish an <strong>independent appeals board<\/strong> for organisational disputes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ensure Stakeholder Consultation<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A national consultation with civil society must be <strong>transparent, accessible, and non-discriminatory<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VIII. Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The current reform proposals threaten to replace a pluralistic and free voluntary sector with one <strong>controlled, filtered, and licensed by the state<\/strong>, through the powerful and politically vulnerable office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not merely a governance reform. It represents a <strong>paradigm shift<\/strong>\u2014from <strong>civil autonomy to bureaucratic domination<\/strong>\u2014in direct tension with the core values of the Maltese Constitution, the EU Charter, and international human rights law.<br><br><strong>What Parliament <em>Can<\/em> Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Legislate on any matter within its competence:<\/strong><br>Under Article 65 of the Constitution of Malta, Parliament has the authority to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of Malta.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Regulate NGOs, Voluntary Organisations, and public interest entities:<\/strong><br>Parliament can pass laws that regulate how organisations operate in Malta \u2014 including requirements for registration, transparency, and accountability \u2014 as long as these laws do <strong>not violate fundamental rights<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create new legal bodies or amend existing laws:<\/strong><br>For example, Parliament can amend the <strong>Voluntary Organisations Act (Chapter 492)<\/strong>, <strong>Social Care Standards Authority Act<\/strong>, or laws governing public funding and oversight.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Parliament <em>Cannot<\/em> Do (Legally or Constitutionally):<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Violate Fundamental Human Rights:<\/strong><br>Parliament cannot pass laws that go against:<ul><li class=\"\"><strong>The Constitution of Malta (Chapter IV)<\/strong> \u2013 which protects freedom of association, expression, and conscience.<\/li><li class=\"\"><strong>European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)<\/strong> \u2013 binding under Maltese law via the <strong>European Convention Act (Chapter 319)<\/strong>.<\/li><li class=\"\"><strong>EU Law and Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU<\/strong> \u2013 binding on all EU Member States including Malta.<\/li><\/ul>\u2192 <em>Example:<\/em> Parliament <strong>cannot<\/strong> pass a law that forces all voluntary organisations to register with the government under threat of being shut down, if such a law is <strong>disproportionate, discriminatory, or limits freedom of association without just cause<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impose ideological conformity:<\/strong><br>Laws that discriminate against NGOs for their political, religious, or ethical beliefs \u2014 such as banning NGOs that are \u201cpro-life\u201d or \u201cpro-choice\u201d \u2014 would likely be <strong>unconstitutional and contrary to EU and international human rights law<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Undermine the separation of powers or due process:<\/strong><br>Parliament cannot approve laws that allow authorities to act without judicial oversight, or that allow abuse of power without appeal. This would violate <strong>Rule of Law principles<\/strong> protected under Maltese and EU law.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Remain in line with Malta&#8217;s commitments under <strong>EU Law<\/strong>, the <strong>ECHR<\/strong>, and the <strong>UN system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parliament can approve new laws regulating organisations and activities in Malta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>But<\/strong>, these laws must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Respect Malta\u2019s Constitution and human rights obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be <strong>proportionate<\/strong>, <strong>non-discriminatory<\/strong>, and <strong>respect freedom of association<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Power Shift and Regulatory Overreach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The CVO&#8217;s recent actions, particularly after the <strong>2022\u20132024 reforms<\/strong>, show signs of <strong>regulatory overreach<\/strong>. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Suspending licenses<\/strong> and <strong>blocking AGMs<\/strong> (as in the case of Wens Foundation).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Intimidating unregistered groups<\/strong> or those working outside state-funded networks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enforcing ideological conformity<\/strong> (for example, discouraging groups that are strongly pro-life or that oppose state-sponsored \u201cdiversity\u201d narratives).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Why?<\/strong><br>There seems to be a <strong>centralisation of power<\/strong> where the state (via the CVO, SCSA, and even CRPD) is attempting to <strong>control the voluntary sector<\/strong> \u2014 especially those not dependent on government funds.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Political and Ideological Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The current structure allows the CVO and connected ministries to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Promote <strong>organisations that align with government policy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sideline or attack those that <strong>criticise the system<\/strong>, expose abuse, or operate <strong>independently<\/strong> of state funding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Label some organisations as \u201cnon-compliant\u201d or \u201cnon-transparent\u201d simply because they don\u2019t want to register, collect money, or follow state-mandated rules.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>This is highly dangerous in a democracy \u2014 because it <strong>turns civil society into a tool of the state<\/strong>, rather than an <strong>independent voice<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Protection of State Contracts and Funding Flows<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The state \u2014 especially through ministries like the <strong>Ministry for Inclusion (MIV)<\/strong> and <strong>MCVS<\/strong> \u2014 manages large contracts and partnerships with NGOs. This creates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Favouritism toward organisations that receive government money.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exclusion of grassroots or voluntary groups<\/strong> that may operate more efficiently or with greater independence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defensiveness toward critical organisations<\/strong> that reveal problems in state-funded care systems (as you\u2019ve done with Wens homes, for example).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The CVO might be acting as a <strong>gatekeeper<\/strong> to preserve the <strong>existing network of government-aligned NGOs<\/strong>, even at the expense of legality.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Misuse of \u201cTransparency\u201d as a Weapon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While transparency is essential, it is being misused:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Forcing all groups to register and disclose data<\/strong>, even when they don\u2019t collect funds or operate only with volunteers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Penalising unregistered groups<\/strong> even when they\u2019re lawful and offer valuable services (which violates the <strong>freedom of association<\/strong> protected by Maltese and EU law).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The treatment by the CVO of certain organisations appears:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Legally questionable<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Politically motivated<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Incompatible with EU law, UN standards, and Malta\u2019s Constitution<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not just a regulatory issue. It is a <strong>democratic concern<\/strong>, because it silences dissent, punishes independence, and weaponizes the law against civil society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>What the Proposed Laws Might Do<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From your previous information and investigations, the proposed reforms may:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Force all organisations<\/strong> \u2014 even <strong>non-monetary, small or informal ones<\/strong> \u2014 to register with the CVO.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Give the CVO excessive powers<\/strong> to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Intervene in internal affairs (e.g. leadership, decisions),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suspend or blacklist organisations,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Impose restrictions based on <strong>ideological grounds<\/strong> (e.g. positions on life, religion, or social issues).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Criminalise or restrict<\/strong> voluntary activities <strong>outside the CVO\u2019s registry<\/strong>, even if these are peaceful and lawful.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Would These Laws Be Legal?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Likely not<\/strong>, at least not under EU and international standards. Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conflicts with Fundamental Rights:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Freedom of Association<\/strong> (ECHR, Art. 11 &amp; EU Charter, Art. 12) allows civil society to operate <strong>without registration<\/strong> unless there&#8217;s a pressing public interest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forcing <strong>registration for non-funding, non-commercial organisations<\/strong> violates <strong>international norms<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overreach of Regulatory Authority:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The CVO\u2019s legitimate role is to <strong>regulate financial accountability and public funds<\/strong> \u2014 not <strong>ideological control<\/strong> or censorship of civil society.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turning the CVO into a gatekeeper of \u201cwho is allowed to exist\u201d would breach the <strong>rule of law and proportionality<\/strong> under EU law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> Incompatibility with EU Directives:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>EU law supports <strong>pluralism<\/strong> and <strong>autonomy<\/strong> of civil society.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proposed laws that threaten small or dissenting groups with <strong>criminalisation or exclusion<\/strong> could lead to <strong>EU infringement proceedings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. What If They Become Law?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If such laws are passed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Doninu<\/strong> could <strong>challenge them legally<\/strong>, both <strong>locally<\/strong> and through the <strong>European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)<\/strong> or the <strong>European Commission<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Allies in civil society<\/strong> (both in Malta and internationally) could mobilise to defend your right to exist and operate freely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The laws themselves could be <strong>struck down<\/strong> or <strong>overruled<\/strong> if found unconstitutional or in breach of EU obligations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Scenario<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Impact on <\/strong>Non Registered<\/th><th><strong>What You Can Do<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Current law<\/strong><\/td><td>Fully legal without CVO registration<\/td><td>Operate normally<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Proposed reforms pass<\/strong><\/td><td>May criminalise or restrict unregistered work<\/td><td>Prepare legal &amp; public resistance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>If challenged in EU\/ECHR<\/strong><\/td><td>Strong case that reforms breach rights<\/td><td>Could lead to legal victory &amp; reversal<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>If the <strong>proposed laws<\/strong> for voluntary organisations in Malta come into force, they would <strong>not only affect unregistered groups like Doninu<\/strong>, but also <strong>seriously impact registered NGOs<\/strong>. Here&#8217;s a clear breakdown of how <strong>registered NGOs<\/strong> would be affected:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>More Control by the Commissioner (CVO)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Registered NGOs would become <strong>more tightly controlled<\/strong> by the Office of the Commissioner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CVO could <strong>interfere in internal decisions<\/strong>, such as:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Changing leadership,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suspending activities,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blocking events or partnerships,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Declaring NGOs \u201cnon-compliant\u201d for vague or political reasons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consequence:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NGOs would lose <strong>autonomy<\/strong> and <strong>independence<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Civil society becomes <strong>weaker<\/strong> and more dependent on the State&#8217;s approval.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Shift in Role of the CVO \u2013 From Regulator to Enforcer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The CVO would shift from simply ensuring transparency of funds \u2192 to acting as a <strong>political gatekeeper<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Commissioner might have the <strong>power to censor<\/strong>, <strong>suspend<\/strong>, or even <strong>investigate NGOs<\/strong> based on ideology or criticism of government policy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consequence:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Registered NGOs may begin to <strong>self-censor<\/strong> to avoid being shut down.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NGOs working in <strong>sensitive areas<\/strong> (e.g. migration, disability, anti-corruption, religious issues) could face discrimination or legal threats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Risk of Deregistration or Penalties for Non-Compliance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If a registered NGO:<ul><li class=\"\">Misses a report deadline,<\/li><li class=\"\">Holds an event that is not \u201capproved\u201d,<\/li><li class=\"\">Makes a political statement,<\/li><\/ul>&#8230;they could face:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Suspension<\/strong> of license,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Freezing of bank accounts<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Public blacklisting<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Court action<\/strong> or heavy fines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consequence:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Registered NGOs may feel <strong>punished instead of supported<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smaller or volunteer-led NGOs could <strong>collapse<\/strong> under bureaucracy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Division Within Civil Society<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The new laws may create a <strong>divided sector<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NGOs that comply politically \u2192 are favoured or protected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NGOs that criticise or work independently \u2192 are targeted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consequence:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Unity among NGOs is broken<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The sector becomes <strong>weaker and more afraid<\/strong>, with some NGOs used to <strong>attack or report others<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>Legal and Funding Uncertainty<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>International donors may <strong>withdraw support<\/strong> if the NGO sector is no longer free or rights-based.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NGOs may no longer meet <strong>EU standards for independent civil society<\/strong>, putting <strong>EU funds at risk<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consequence:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Registered NGOs may face <strong>more paperwork but less freedom<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Malta\u2019s civil society reputation could <strong>collapse internationally<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary: Effects on Registered NGOs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Area<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Effect<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Independence<\/td><td>Reduced \u2013 risk of interference from CVO<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Freedom of expression<\/td><td>Self-censorship due to fear of penalties<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Internal governance<\/td><td>CVO may influence or block decisions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Legal and financial status<\/td><td>Risk of deregistration, fines, or freezing of funds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Unity in civil society<\/td><td>Division and mistrust between organisations<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>EU &amp; international support<\/td><td>Donor exit or funding loss due to rights violations<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Legal Report: Powers of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (CVO) \u2013 Malta (as of May 2025)<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Legal Framework<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Primary Law<\/strong>: <em>Voluntary Organisations Act<\/em> (Cap. 492)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Subsidiary Laws<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Voluntary Organisations (Annual Returns and Annual Accounts) Regulations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Voluntary Organisations (Registration) Regulations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Oversight Institution<\/strong>: The Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (CVO), currently under the <strong>Ministry for Inclusion and Voluntary Organisations (MIV)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Powers Relating to Registration<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Power to Register or Refuse Registration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The CVO maintains the official <strong>Register of Voluntary Organisations<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can <strong>refuse or revoke registration<\/strong> if:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The organisation&#8217;s purposes are unlawful or contrary to public policy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The organisation fails to comply with obligations under the Act.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Limitation:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Registration is <strong>voluntary<\/strong> unless the VO:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Collects public donations,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Receives public funds or tax benefits,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Performs duties on behalf of the state.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Supervisory and Compliance Powers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udd0d Monitoring Duties:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CVO has the <strong>right to request<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Annual returns,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial statements,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Governance documentation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Investigation Powers:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Can <strong>investigate complaints<\/strong> or initiate inspections <strong>on suspicion of irregularities<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>May <strong>summon documentation<\/strong>, question board members, and enter premises.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sanctions (for registered VOs):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Issue directives<\/strong> to comply with the law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impose administrative penalties<\/strong> (limited to fines and temporary suspensions).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Suspend registration<\/strong> or <strong>revoke legal status<\/strong> in severe non-compliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Financial Oversight<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Registered VOs<\/strong> must:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>File annual financial reports,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow accounting standards,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Declare donations or state aid received.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Audit Rights:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CVO can <strong>audit accounts<\/strong> of registered VOs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can report suspected fraud to <strong>the police or the FIAU (Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Regulatory Guidelines and Directions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The CVO can <strong>issue binding guidelines<\/strong> and <strong>code of governance<\/strong> on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Board conduct,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conflict of interest,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transparency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These are <strong>enforceable on registered VOs<\/strong> only.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unregistered groups are <strong>not bound<\/strong>, unless they are impersonating a VO or committing fraud.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>Limits on the CVO\u2019s Powers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">No power to:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shut down or interfere with <strong>unregistered organisations<\/strong> unless:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They falsely claim registration,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They commit illegal acts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cannot:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prevent unregistered VOs from assembling, helping people, or operating (so long as they do not raise funds from the public unlawfully).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cannot:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Control <strong>political views<\/strong>, <strong>religious beliefs<\/strong>, or <strong>campaign messages<\/strong> of a VO \u2013 due to constitutional rights (Articles 40\u201342 of the Maltese Constitution) and <strong>European Convention on Human Rights<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enforcement and Appeals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A registered VO can appeal any sanction or decision by the CVO to the <strong>Voluntary Organisations Appeals Board<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Further appeal may be made to the <strong>First Hall, Civil Court<\/strong> under Article 469A (judicial review).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relevant EU and International Context<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Malta is bound by:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>EU Charter of Fundamental Rights<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>OSCE Guidelines on Freedom of Association<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These instruments limit how far state authorities like the CVO can <strong>interfere<\/strong> in civil society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Area<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Power of the CVO<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Limitations<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Registration<\/td><td>Can register, refuse, or deregister VOs<\/td><td>Cannot force registration unless public funds involved<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Oversight<\/td><td>Can inspect, summon documents, and issue directives<\/td><td>Only applies to registered VOs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Financial Audits<\/td><td>Can audit financial statements and refer to FIAU<\/td><td>Cannot demand audits from unregistered groups<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Governance Control<\/td><td>Can enforce board standards and reporting<\/td><td>Not enforceable on unregistered VOs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sanctions<\/td><td>Can fine, suspend, or deregister<\/td><td>Must allow appeals and respect proportionality<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Interference with Activity<\/td><td>Cannot stop unregistered VOs from operating lawfully<\/td><td>Protected by constitutional and human rights law<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As of May 2025, the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations in Malta has <strong>real but limited powers<\/strong>, and these powers <strong>only fully apply to registered voluntary organisations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Unregistered voluntary organisations<\/strong>, such as Doninu (Malta) International, <strong>remain legal<\/strong> and protected by <strong>constitutional rights<\/strong> unless they:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Raise public funds unlawfully,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Falsely claim registration,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commit crimes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The CVO <strong>does not have the power<\/strong> to criminalise, obstruct, or ban unregistered but peaceful voluntary action under current law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Powers over federations of voluntary organisations<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>As of <strong>May 2025<\/strong>, the <strong>Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (CVO)<\/strong> in Malta has specific powers over <strong>federations<\/strong> of voluntary organisations, but these powers <strong>depend on whether the federation is registered<\/strong> under the <strong>Voluntary Organisations Act (Cap. 492)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below is a <strong>clear legal breakdown<\/strong> of what the CVO can and cannot do regarding <strong>federations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Legal Definition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Federation?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Under Maltese law, a <strong>federation<\/strong> is an umbrella body composed of <strong>two or more voluntary organisations<\/strong>, often representing a sector (e.g. disability, environment, culture) or coordinating common efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Federations <strong>may or may not be registered<\/strong> with the CVO.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Federations can also be <strong>NGO platforms<\/strong>, <strong>alliances<\/strong>, <strong>networks<\/strong>, or <strong>councils of NGOs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>If the Federation is Registered with the CVO<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If a federation is <strong>registered<\/strong>, it is treated like any other VO under the law, with some additional scrutiny due to its sector-wide influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Powers the CVO has:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Power<\/th><th>Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Registration<\/td><td>Can approve, reject, or revoke registration.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Monitoring<\/td><td>Can request annual reports, financial accounts, and membership lists.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Investigations<\/td><td>Can investigate internal governance, funding, and operations.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Directives<\/td><td>Can issue legally binding directives, especially on conflicts of interest or political neutrality.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Financial Audit<\/td><td>Can audit the federation\u2019s finances and request full disclosure of grants, state aid, or member contributions.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Suspension<\/td><td>Can suspend the registration for serious misconduct (e.g. fraud, illegal lobbying, mismanagement).<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Special Focus:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The CVO may <strong>closely monitor federations<\/strong> that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Represent <strong>multiple sectors or organisations<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Receive <strong>foreign funding<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engage in <strong>public lobbying or advocacy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The CVO may <strong>scrutinise federations<\/strong> more aggressively if they <strong>coordinate political or legal campaigns<\/strong>, especially if these challenge state institutions or laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>If the Federation is Not Registered<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If the federation is <strong>not registered<\/strong>, the CVO has <strong>no legal control<\/strong> over it <strong>unless<\/strong> it commits certain offences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The CVO <strong>CANNOT<\/strong>:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Action<\/th><th>Legality<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Force registration<\/td><td> Not allowed unless collecting public donations or receiving state funds.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Demand internal documents<\/td><td> Not permitted.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Investigate or inspect<\/td><td> Cannot interfere unless criminal activity is suspected.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Issue fines or penalties<\/td><td> Cannot sanction unregistered federations.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dissolve or ban the group<\/td><td> No authority unless fraud, hate speech, or terrorism is involved.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>CVO Powers if a Federation Is Helping Other VOs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If the federation <strong>acts as a financial pass-through<\/strong>, manages <strong>donor funds<\/strong>, or <strong>represents smaller registered VOs<\/strong>, then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The CVO may attempt to <strong>audit the flow of funds<\/strong>, if any part of the federation\u2019s activity falls under a registered entity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CVO may issue warnings if the federation <strong>influences<\/strong> registered organisations into breaching CVO guidelines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, these powers only apply <strong>indirectly<\/strong> and must respect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Freedom of association<\/strong> (Maltese Constitution, Art. 42),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>EU law<\/strong> (esp. Charter of Fundamental Rights, Art. 12),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>OSCE &amp; UN standards on civil society independence<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary Table \u2013 CVO Powers on Federations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Federation Status<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>CVO Powers<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td> Registered Federation<\/td><td>Full supervisory powers: registration, inspections, audits, sanctions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td> Unregistered Federation<\/td><td>No authority to interfere unless law is broken (e.g., fraud, terrorism, hate)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td> Mixed Federation (some members registered)<\/td><td>Limited powers only over the registered member organisations<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Legal References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Voluntary Organisations Act (Cap. 492)<\/strong> \u2013 particularly Articles 5, 6, 13, 15, and 18<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Subsidiary legislation<\/strong> under Cap. 492 \u2013 relating to annual returns and financial controls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maltese Constitution<\/strong> \u2013 Article 42 (Freedom of Association)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>EU Charter of Fundamental Rights<\/strong> \u2013 Article 12<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (1998)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>OSCE Guidelines on Freedom of Association (2015)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unless a <strong>federation is registered<\/strong> with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations or involved in illegal activity, the CVO has <strong>no legal power<\/strong> to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Regulate its activities,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demand compliance,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Block its actions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This protects Groups like <strong>Doninu Malta International<\/strong> and others working across sectors \u2014 even those critical of state policy \u2014 <strong>as long as they do not breach criminal law<\/strong> or raise public funds without transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> <strong>Report abuse, overreach, or human rights violations<\/strong>.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>To <strong>report abuse, overreach, or human rights violations<\/strong> by the <strong>Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (CVO)<\/strong> or other authorities in Malta\u2014especially in relation to federations, unregistered organisations, or civil society freedom\u2014you have several <strong>strong national, EU, and international mechanisms<\/strong> available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a detailed guide on <strong>where to report<\/strong> and <strong>how to structure your complaint<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddf9 NATIONAL LEVEL (Malta)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Office of the Ombudsman (Malta)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jurisdiction<\/strong>: Public administration abuse, including the CVO and ministries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can report: arbitrary enforcement, discrimination, interference in lawful organisations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website: <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.org.mt\">https:\/\/www.ombudsman.org.mt<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Email: <a>office@ombudsman.org.mt<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attach a detailed report, statutes, correspondence, and legal basis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>National Audit Office (NAO)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jurisdiction<\/strong>: Misuse of public funds or lack of transparency in regulatory bodies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website: <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/nao.gov.mt\">https:\/\/nao.gov.mt<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Email: <a>nao.malta@gov.mt<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ideal if you have concerns about how CVO money is being used or misallocated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Commission for Human Rights (NHRI \u2013 Malta)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Office within the Parliamentary Ombudsman.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can address fundamental rights breaches involving civil society.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddfa EUROPEAN LEVEL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>European Union \u2013 Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reports threats to civic space, harassment of NGOs, legal overreach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website: <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/fra.europa.eu\">https:\/\/fra.europa.eu<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can send a documented complaint via national FRA contact points or FRA\u2019s online platform.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>European Commission \u2013 DG JUST (Justice and Consumers)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You can report breaches of <strong>EU law<\/strong>, especially:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Freedom of association (Art. 12, Charter of Fundamental Rights)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discrimination against NGOs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Misuse of laws against unregistered organisations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Email: <a class=\"\" href=\"mailto:EC-COMPLAINTS@ec.europa.eu\">EC-COMPLAINTS@ec.europa.eu<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the form: <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/assets\/sg\/report-a-breach\/complaints_en\/\">https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/assets\/sg\/report-a-breach\/complaints_en\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use detailed legal analysis + evidence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. <strong>European Parliament \u2013 PETI Committee<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You can submit a <strong>petition<\/strong> to the European Parliament.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Petitions can trigger EU investigations if your rights or freedoms are affected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.europarl.europa.eu\/petitions\/en\/home\">https:\/\/www.europarl.europa.eu\/petitions\/en\/home<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">INTERNATIONAL LEVEL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. <strong>United Nations \u2013 Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Association<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Can investigate Malta for violating:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Right to associate freely<\/strong> under Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Email (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights):\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a>freeassembly@ohchr.org<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit a formal <strong>complaint letter<\/strong> with:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Names of authorities involved (e.g., CVO, Ministry),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Timeline,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal violations,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Impact on your organisation and beneficiaries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. <strong>UN Treaty Bodies \u2013 Human Rights Committee<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For serious legal overreach or discriminatory laws, you may lodge an <strong>individual communication<\/strong> under:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>ICCPR<\/strong> (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must <strong>exhaust domestic remedies first<\/strong>, but documentation can still be submitted in advance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">RECOMMENDATION<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To maximise impact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Send to <strong>both national and EU\/UN levels<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaborate with other affected groups or federations for a <strong>joint complaint<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask for <strong>interim protection measures<\/strong> if under pressure, censorship, or threatened deregistration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>is thiYes \u2014 based on the proposed reforms to Malta\u2019s voluntary sector laws (particularly those outlined in the government\u2019s response of December 2024), <strong>there is a serious threat to Malta\u2019s democratic framework<\/strong>, especially to civil liberties and participatory democracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong> Serious threat to Malta\u2019s democratic <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Malta\u2019s Democracy at Risk?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Violation of Freedom of Association<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The proposed laws declare that <strong>any group or federation not registered with the CVO would be considered illegal<\/strong> or <strong>not permitted to operate<\/strong>. This directly contradicts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Article 42 of the Constitution of Malta<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 12 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It means that voluntary groups\u2014such as those helping the poor, the disabled, or advocating pro-life values\u2014could be labelled as <strong>illegal or unauthorized<\/strong> if they do not fall under state control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Excessive Powers Granted to the Commissioner (CVO)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the proposals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The CVO can <strong>unilaterally suspend, block, or dissolve organisations<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CVO decides <strong>who qualifies as a &#8220;volunteer&#8221;<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CVO gains power even over <strong>federations that include unregistered groups<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This undermines the principle of an <strong>independent civil society<\/strong>, allowing state authorities to dominate what should be grassroots, community-led initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Silencing Independent Voices<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>By making it harder or impossible for small or unregistered organisations to operate freely, the reforms weaken:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Disability advocacy groups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faith-based and pro-life organisations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refugee and poverty support networks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-partisan social movements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This can lead to a <strong>shrinking civic space<\/strong> and the erosion of public accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Conflict with European Union Values<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Malta joined the EU on the condition of respecting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fundamental freedoms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Civil society pluralism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freedom of opinion and association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These reforms conflict with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The legal and democratic obligations of a member state<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Malta\u2019s democracy is being seriously undermined by these proposed laws<\/strong>. They:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Threaten the <strong>independence and survival of Public society<\/strong>s new laws <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Create an authoritarian gatekeeper system for NGOs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Risk <strong>EU infringement procedures<\/strong> against Malta<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BL-OHLA-DAWL-LIBBIST.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of BL-O\u0126LA DAWL LIBBIST.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-69ff7163-8446-4085-8c69-a0bf6a28f388\" href=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BL-OHLA-DAWL-LIBBIST.pdf\">BL-O\u0126LA DAWL LIBBIST<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BL-OHLA-DAWL-LIBBIST.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-69ff7163-8446-4085-8c69-a0bf6a28f388\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file aligncenter\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Qed-Nibdew-Inxaqqu-d-Demokrazija-u-indghajfu-l-Kostituzzjoni-ta-Malta-full-report.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Qed Nibdew Inxaqqu d-Demokrazija u indg\u0127ajfu l-Kostituzzjoni ta\u2019 Malta -full report.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-353265d3-7639-4a66-afc0-c36ae4243087\" href=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Qed-Nibdew-Inxaqqu-d-Demokrazija-u-indghajfu-l-Kostituzzjoni-ta-Malta-full-report.pdf\">Qed Nibdew Inxaqqu d-Demokrazija u indg\u0127ajfu l-Kostituzzjoni ta\u2019 Malta -full report<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Qed-Nibdew-Inxaqqu-d-Demokrazija-u-indghajfu-l-Kostituzzjoni-ta-Malta-full-report.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-353265d3-7639-4a66-afc0-c36ae4243087\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Advanced Legal Opinion on the Maltese Voluntary Sector Reform (2024\u20132025) I. Executive Summary The Government of Malta has proposed reforms to the voluntary and not-for-profit (NPO) sector aimed at \u201cstreamlining\u201d regulation and improving governance. However, a critical legal analysis reveals that these proposals risk: This report outlines legal and institutional dangers raised by the reforms &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/?page_id=613\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;CVO NOTES&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-613","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=613"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/613\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1152,"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/613\/revisions\/1152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}