ΜΚΟ και Κοινωνία Πολιτών, μια προβληματική σχέση: η περίπτωση των ελληνικών Μη Κυβερνητικών Περιβαλλοντικών Οργανώσεων

Abstract

This paper examines the role of ENGOs as civil society actors. It starts by arguing that rising ENGO numbers and activities must not be taken as definitive indicators of a strengthened civil society, as they may be reflecting the hegemony of a small group of professional organisations -something which indeed is the case in Greece. The paper then examines the activities of the major Greek ENGOs, approaching them as civil society actors. It is argued that a vital prerequisite of that role is broad social accountability in matters of representation and general legitimacy. The paper concludes that the major ENGOs in Greece see themselves rather procedurally, as mere public service groups. As a result, their activities fail to enhance civil society.