Beneficiaries angered by George Soros foundation’s European cuts.

Open⁣ Society Foundations’ Decision to ‍Cut Staff and Spending‍ in Europe Raises Concerns

The recent announcement by Open Society Foundations (OSF) to reduce staff and spending‍ in Europe has sparked worry among ⁤beneficiaries. Many argue that this ⁢withdrawal of resources could ‍have a detrimental impact on human rights and the foundation’s reputation.

The internal email and⁢ current employees have revealed that ⁢OSF leaders plan to cut staff by 80% in Berlin and 60% in Brussels. Offices‌ in⁢ London and Barcelona have already been informed that they will either close or significantly reduce⁤ their staff, leading to the departure of several‍ OSF members.

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These planned cuts⁢ in Europe​ mark a significant departure from the long-standing initiative led by billionaire and⁣ founder George Soros, who has ‍been dedicated to supporting education, human rights, and‌ other important policies. The leadership‌ of​ OSF aims to complete ‌the layoffs by January.

In June, Alex Soros, George ⁢Soros’s son ​and the new head of ​OSF’s board of directors, announced a‍ shift to a new ⁤operating model. While emphasizing their commitment to the European project, Alex Soros has shown increasing interest in supporting projects within the United⁤ States. This change in⁣ focus has raised questions⁢ about ‌the connection between the new operating model and the younger Soros’s attention to U.S. interests.

The internal‌ email to‌ OSF’s Berlin office mentioned that the shift ⁢is partly due to‌ the European Union providing public funding for human rights and pluralism. OSF intends‌ to reallocate its resources ⁤to beneficiaries who do not have access to such funding options.

However, concerns have ​been raised by grantees and⁣ beneficiaries regarding⁤ the⁣ strategic mistake of withdrawing ⁣support. They also criticize the lack⁢ of communication from OSF ‍about the new operating model, ⁣which was adopted on June 28.

Under the​ new model, the foundations will be reorganized around ambiguous⁣ “opportunities” rather than specific programs.⁢ These “opportunities” are defined as “bodies of work organized around clear‍ ambitious goals.”

This shift‌ has caused bitterness among OSF staff, as they fear that the absence of concrete priorities may undermine the foundations’ commitment to human rights⁤ and civil society efforts in European countries.

Márta Pardavi, co-chairwoman ⁤of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, ‍a human rights ⁤group and longtime​ recipient of OSF ⁣funding,⁤ expressed her confusion, stating, “Here we are, probably hundreds of‍ groups around Europe, and⁣ we have no idea why this decision⁢ came to ⁢be. When we look at the European Union, we really don’t see a justification for even decreasing⁣ support ‍for human rights and democracy and for support for marginalized ⁤groups.”

Other beneficiaries are concerned that the reduction​ in OSF programs ‌will hinder nonprofit groups from⁢ receiving flexible and timely funding compared to​ project-based‍ grants that ⁤require lengthy approval‌ processes. OSF has played a significant ⁢role within ⁤the EU, advocating for ​policies and engaging decision-makers.

An absence of ⁤OSF ‍programs ⁢could also create an opportunity for conservative social movements to gain ground in Europe.

Alberto Alemanno, ​a professor of law in Paris, warned, “All ‍of⁢ a sudden you will see that there are many more opportunities for different forms of philanthropy to enter into the European space‍ by basically supporting organizations that at the moment are very marginal, like those pushing anti-abortion ⁤rights or pushing against LGBT rights. Conservative donors will ⁢find much easier access in Europe​ because there would be a lack of countervailing forces.”

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