Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-000595/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (Renew)
During the plenary debate on 22 January 2025, Commissioner Serafin stated that certain Commission departments had obliged NGOs ‘to lobby Members of the European Parliament’ as part of their LIFE grant requirements. These assertions have raised significant concerns about EU funding processes and risk undermining the credibility and independence of European civil society organisations.
Upon reviewing the contracts, I have found no instructions from the Commission requiring NGOs to lobby MEPs. This apparent discrepancy between the Commissioner’s statements and the documented grant requirements requires clarification.
- 1.Does the Commission maintain its position that NGOs were instructed to lobby MEPs as part of its LIFE grant requirements?
- 2.If the Commission stands by these statements, could it provide documentary evidence of these requirements and specify which Commission departments implemented these conditions?
- 3.If the Commission does not stand by these statements, could it provide a rectification?
Submitted: 10.2.2025