Statement by the Spokesperson on the listing of German NGOs as “undesirable organisations”:
“The European Union rejects the decision taken by the Russian Prosecutor General on 26 May to list three German non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as “undesirable organisations”.
This decision, which targets Forum Russischsprachiger Europäer e.V., Zentrum für die Liberale Moderne GmbH, and Deutsch-Russischer Austausch e.V., is the most recent example of the Russian authorities’ disregard for a vibrant civil society. The decision by the Russian Prosecutor General ultimately harms the interests of the Russian people and possibilities for open and free dialogue.
The European Union fully supports the key role played by independent NGOs in developing mutual understanding across borders and improving relations between countries. Nothing in the activities of these NGOs justifies this step.
We call on the Russian authorities to reverse this decision and to contribute to the promotion of people-to-people contacts to the benefit of both Russia and the European Union.
Source: Russia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the listing of German NGOs as “undesirable organisations”