ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΑΝΤΙΚΑΡΚΙΝΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ
ΕΑΕ
Η αποστολή της Ελληνικής Αντικαρκινικής Εταιρείας είναι η πρόληψη και καταπολέμηση του καρκίνου μέσω της ενημέρωσης, ευαισθητοποίησης του κοινού, καθώς και της παροχής υπηρεσιών υποστήριξης προς τους ασθενείς και τις οικογένειές τους.
ID: 210127094872-92
Lobbying Activity
Response to EU Civil Society Strategy
5 Sept 2025
The Hellenic Cancer Society (HCS) is a non-governmental organization founded in 1958 with local branches in all Greek regions. Their members are all volunteers. The Society s main goals are cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and support for patients and their families. They focus on raising awareness about cancer, promoting preventive measures, and offering psychological and social support to those affected by the disease. The society organizes educational programs, campaigns, and events to inform the public and health professionals about cancer risks and advances in treatment. It engages in advocacy for patients and in efforts to improve cancer care standards in Greece. Is a major donor to the public health sector and is member of international cancer and patients associations. It participates in European programs in the fields of cancer research and promotion of smoking prevention and patients rights. Civil society is an important component of a well-functioning democracy. The role of its organizations is complementary to state actions, promoting social awareness and active participation of citizens. In the fight against cancer, European aid to NGOs has been and is very important. The HCS welcomes the European Commissions call for evidence to establish an EU Civil Society Strategy and the ambition to strengthen civil society and make engagement more systematic. But this vision must be matched with concrete funding commitments that allow CSOs to fulfil their indispensable role in implementing EU regulations, safeguarding EU values, and delivering better outcomes for European citizens. The HCS advocates for full financial transparency in the operation of NGOs, their voluntary nature and their independence from state, political parties and financial lobbies. The HCS calls on the Commission to: Ensure that the EU Civil Society Strategy is accompanied by adequate and predictable financial support for CSOs, including patient organizations. Restore operating grant mechanisms under EU4Health so that health CSOs can continue to provide the essential link between EU policies and the citizens they serve. Recognize in the Strategy that engagement is not cost-neutral: sustained dialogue, outreach and support for participation require resources that CSOs cannot mobilize without EU backing.
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