MEPs oppose renewed attempts to decrease NGO funding in EU budget review

The European Parliament’s budgetary control committee has tentatively approved the EU’s 2023 budget, rejecting attempts by right-wing lawmakers to criticize funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Members rejected proposals to condemn an “enormous EU-NGO propaganda complex” and called for transparency regarding funding for NGOs through the LIFE Programme. The European Court of Auditors criticized the lack of transparency in NGO funding but found no evidence of wrongdoing. Committee Chair Niclas Herbst highlighted the need for transparency on whether funded NGOs share EU values. Civil Society Europe welcomed the committee’s more objective language, while the European Environmental Bureau expressed concerns about ongoing scrutiny of NGO funding. The eurosceptic ECR group is pushing for a fully-fledged inquiry committee, but others argue that such action should be reserved for major scandals, not targeting civil society organizations. The decision on establishing an inquiry committee rests with the presidents of the political groups in the European Parliament, with the EPP holding significant influence due to its large representation in the assembly.

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