Publication details
The influence of NGOs on social policy in Central Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic
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| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Chapter in a book |
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| Description | This study is based on interviews with representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and experts, who tried to influence social policies in Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia during COVID-19. The cooperation between NGOs and the state was best in Slovakia and worst in Hungary, with the Czech Republic (Czechia) in between. Several representatives of Slovak NGOs praised the state's approach, particularly through working groups that listened to feedback from NGOs. In Czechia, communication was also positive; but the interviews indicated Czech NGOs faced more challenges in promoting their objectives. In Hungary, the communication between the NGO sector and the state was the poorest. Even when online meetings occurred, the NGO sector received no feedback. We argue that the influence of NGOs was mediated by the political opportunity structures (POSs). The POSs were more closed in Hungary, where one party has been in power with an absolute majority for over a decade. There, the regime has openly embraced the concept of an “illiberal democracy,” which explains why NGOs have had less influence there. In Czechia and Slovakia, by contrast, coalition governments have always been in power since the collapse of communism and this diversity of parties in governments makes it easier for openings to emerge. Since the governments have been less authoritarian, it has been easier for NGOs to operate freely and create contacts with ministry officials. All in all, the POSs were not influential enough to be able to change the path-dependent social policies in the countries in focus during the pandemic. |
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