Right-Wing MEPs Attack Funding for Green NGOs

Right-Wing MEPs Attack Funding for Green NGOs

Right-wing members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are attempting to halt financing for environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This decision jeopardises the financial viability of organisations that play critical roles in climate activism, biodiversity conservation, and environmental policymaking.

The plan is part of a larger push to undermine the European Green Deal, which seeks to make the EU carbon neutral by 2050. MEPs who support the freeze claim that NGOs wield too much power over policy decisions and lack transparency in how they spend public cash.

The European Commission’s LIFE project, which funds environmental initiatives, now distributes over €15.6 million per year to approximately 30 non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Some organisations depend on this support for up to 70% of their budgets. If the idea passes, many of these organisations may struggle to continue their activities.

Supporters of the freeze argue that taxpayer money should not be used to subsidise advocacy groups pushing for tighter industry rules. They think that NGOs that get public funds should be more transparent and accountable.

Critics saw this move as an attack on civil society and environmental preservation measures. They worry that defunding NGOs might stymie progress in combating climate change and undermine the EU’s worldwide leadership on environmental concerns.

Some environmental groups believe this idea is politically driven. They claim that corporate interests in fossil fuels and other polluting industries are influencing the campaign to defund environmental action.

The proposal must go through parliamentary committees before reaching a final vote, expected in May. If approved, it could reshape the landscape of environmental advocacy in Europe.