EU Commission Addresses Misuse of Funds in NGO Lobbying
Investigation into EU funding for NGOs reveals obligations to lobby MEPs, prompting policy adjustments and further audits.
The European Commission has acknowledged that funding from its €5.4 billion environmental programme, LIFE, may have been improperly utilized for lobbying activities directed at Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
This acknowledgment came from Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin, who stated that certain funding agreements inadvertently required non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to engage in lobbying efforts on specific issues.
The revelation has garnered criticism from various right-wing lawmakers, including MEP Monika Hohlmeier, who questioned the allocation of taxpayer funds being used to help NGOs oppose specific policies such as EU free trade agreements and farming policies.
The critique follows a review of 30 funding contracts from the years 2022 and 2023, which found that NGOs had utilized these funds for organizing protests and extensive campaigns targeting lawmakers.
In response to these findings, the European Commission has taken steps to amend existing grant agreements to prevent further instances of such practices.
While some lawmakers argue that the funds have been misused, others underscore the significance of NGOs in the policy-making processes of the European Union.
Looking ahead, EU auditors are prepared to thoroughly investigate the matter, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of EU funds.
The ongoing debate has triggered a wider discourse on the transparency and impact of interest groups in shaping EU policies.
This acknowledgment came from Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin, who stated that certain funding agreements inadvertently required non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to engage in lobbying efforts on specific issues.
The revelation has garnered criticism from various right-wing lawmakers, including MEP Monika Hohlmeier, who questioned the allocation of taxpayer funds being used to help NGOs oppose specific policies such as EU free trade agreements and farming policies.
The critique follows a review of 30 funding contracts from the years 2022 and 2023, which found that NGOs had utilized these funds for organizing protests and extensive campaigns targeting lawmakers.
In response to these findings, the European Commission has taken steps to amend existing grant agreements to prevent further instances of such practices.
While some lawmakers argue that the funds have been misused, others underscore the significance of NGOs in the policy-making processes of the European Union.
Looking ahead, EU auditors are prepared to thoroughly investigate the matter, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of EU funds.
The ongoing debate has triggered a wider discourse on the transparency and impact of interest groups in shaping EU policies.
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