A new institutional framework will soon be put up for public consultation, which will encourage initiatives by Public Beneficial Institutions to achieve their goals, for the benefit of society, as well as the state budget. This was announced on Monday night by the Deputy Prime Minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, speaking at an Initiative 21 event, on the topic: “Presentation of the actions to deal with the climate crisis – Future interventions for public health”.

“Private benefactors and donors help address social problems while reducing the burden on taxpayers. The establishment of Initiative 21 is a shining example of unity and fruitful cooperation. For the first time, the most important non-profit institutions of the country have joined forces, with a common vision, common values ​​and a common purpose: the contribution to society and the progress of our country”, emphasized Mr. Hatzidakis and added:

“As a government, we are determined to encourage such initiatives. And of course we believe that the state should support and not put obstacles in the hands of citizens who contribute with their property to the fulfillment of public goals. For this reason we are establishing a modern and fair institutional framework for Public Beneficial Foundations. The relevant bill – the preparation of which began during my days at the Ministry of Finance – is soon to be put up for public consultation.”

The bill provides, among other things:

* The abolition of income tax for active Public Beneficial Foundations, as well as their exemption from donation and inheritance tax.

* The simplification of the framework for exempting donations from VAT, so that, in certain cases, approval by the Minister of Finance and the relevant Minister is not required.

* The digital recording of charitable institutions and their assets, through an electronic register, so that there is transparency and efficient management.

* The simplification of the institutional framework for the establishment and operation of Public Beneficial Institutions, so that they can focus on their work without unnecessary bureaucracy and delays.

* The creation of a framework for the restructuring of Public Beneficial Institutions facing financial problems, in order to ensure their sustainability.

* The utilization of non-profit properties, to serve the housing policy, with special care in favor of vulnerable households.

“With these arrangements, we seek to incentivize and free up resources of institutions, without discounting issues of legitimacy,” noted the deputy prime minister.

Mr. Hatzidakis also emphasized that in its seven years of operation, Initiative 21 has provided substantial work:

– With the events for the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution, where he highlighted the value of historical memory and our collective identity.

– With actions for climate change and environmental protection. Sector in which – as he underlined – the government has achieved important goals. Such as the promotion of lignitization, the strengthening of RES which now cover 50% of electricity demand, energy saving programs in buildings, the promotion of electric mobility. Also, the reorganization of Civil Protection, the increase of resources for the prevention and response to natural disasters and the securing of 8 billion euros through 3 new funds (the Social Climate Fund, the Modernization Fund and the Island Decarbonization Fund) for the implementation of environmental and social projects by 2032.

– With the new initiative announced to tackle dementia in all its forms, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. “For this issue we have drawn up an Action Plan, which aims not only to strengthen prevention and early diagnosis, but also to provide high-quality holistic care to people suffering from dementia and related disorders. While at the same time it foresees support measures for the caregivers — the people who fight every day, often silently, a difficult fight alongside the patients”, said the deputy prime minister.

“The establishment of a National Center of Excellence for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease will significantly enhance this planning. The Center will be a national point of reference for education, research and innovation, contributing to the development of quality standards of care and the certification of health professionals, in accordance with international good practices”, he added and concluded:

“Initiative 21 proves in action what we can achieve when we join forces around a common goal. It reminds us that progress is not the work of a single agency or government, but the result of a collective effort. It creates a new model of cooperation between non-profit institutions, civil society and the state. A model that turns social sensitivity into tangible work, solidarity into practice, vision into results. For a Greece that moves forward, with respect for the environment, care for people and faith in the future”.