Our Story

Platform for Social Development and Innovation (CORE) is an independent, non-profit organization that advances social change through research, education, and public interest legal action. Our work contributes to shaping public policy, protecting the environment, and strengthening democratic and accountable governance. We are committed to building a fair, sustainable, and democratic society that responsibly manages natural resources and public goods, and in which citizens are equipped with the knowledge and opportunities to meaningfully participate in decisions affecting their quality of life.

We believe that lasting social change is achieved by connecting science, education, and engaged communities, and by translating research into practice through informed public policy engagement and the protection of the fundamental right to a healthy environment.

The CORE team consists of experienced researchers in the fields of social sciences and public policy, as well as legal professionals and lawyers with many years of expertise in environmental protection, corruption investigations, and strategic litigation against major polluters.

At CORE-u we believe that lasting social change is achieved through knowledge, collaboration, solidarity, and perseverance. Our approach is grounded in the rule of law, respect for human rights, education, and the active participation of citizens in shaping public policies—with a particular emphasis on preventive action through institutional mechanisms.

Protecting and improving the environment is a key area of our work. We start from the recognition of the right to a healthy and preserved environment as a fundamental human right. We advocate for the consistent implementation of domestic and international environmental protection standards, including the legal framework of the European Union, the enforcement of the Paris Agreement, the decarbonization of the economy, and a just energy transition. We place particular emphasis on the implementation of the Aarhus Convention and on safeguarding the public’s right to access information, participate in decision-making, and seek justice in matters of environmental protection.

We advance education by fostering critical thinking, academic freedom, and civic awareness. We connect scientific and research knowledge with social practice, so that knowledge becomes a tool for responsible decision-making and the improvement of public policies.

By conducting research and analyzing public policies we evaluate how regulations are applied in environmental protection, climate action, energy transition, urban planning, and spatial development—and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen and advance them.

We advocate for decision-making grounded in the respect and protection of human rights, with the conviction that institutional and developmental decisions must be based on the rule of law and accountability to citizens. In these processes, we identify risks and provide recommendations for improving regulations, procedures, and practices.

We see law as a key instrument of social change, because we believe that the consistent application of regulations is one of the most important prerequisites for protecting people and nature. When we identify unlawful practices or systemic shortcomings, we use procedures before domestic and international institutions to ensure accountability and safeguard the public interest.

We support local communities and young people to claim their right to live in a healthy environment, through active participation in decision-making and in shaping a sustainable, just, and democratic society.