Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000701/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Lynn Boylan (The Left)
Some MEPs have claimed[1] that the Commission is using the EU LIFE programme to influence the legislative process by paying environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to lobby on its behalf. The Commission has been accused of issuing instructions to NGOs to manipulate policymaking.
However, independent analysis of 28 contracts under the LIFE programme by Politico[2] has found no evidence for these claims. The contracts reviewed do not contain requirements for NGOs to lobby on behalf of the Commission, nor do they instruct recipients to align with specific policy positions. The LIFE programme has been transparently agreed upon by Parliament and is intended to balance public interest representation against the industries which can afford lobbyists.
Could the Commission clarify:
- 1.whether any explicit instructions are given to NGOs receiving LIFE funding to lobby on behalf of the Commission or align with its policy agenda, and what contractual safeguards exist to prevent such arrangements?
- 2.whether the Commission has ever identified cases of NGOs being instructed or required to support specific legislative positions in return for LIFE funding?
- 3.what measures the Commission is taking to address and counter misinformation regarding the use of EU funds in order to protect public trust in its funding programmes?
Submitted: 14.2.2025