“Radical activists are campaigning against the EU—and they’re getting paid by the European Commission to do it. Scandal!”
That was the rallying cry—based on highly questionable claims—of a months-long campaign in Brussels targeting non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It culminated in a special report by the European Court of Auditors. Led by MEPs from Germany’s CDU and CSU, and at times even in alliance with far-right parties, this campaign took aim at NGOs fighting for stronger environmental, climate, and nature protections.

At one point, it looked like a cross-party majority might form that would seriously threaten the financial foundation of these organizations. But we managed to fend off that attack—for now. So what’s really behind this fight over civil society? Who’s driving the attacks? And what happens next?

The Accusation: The EU Co-Funds Environmental NGOs—And They Engage in Politics

At the heart of this debate is a recurring accusation from conservative politicians: that the European Commission funds NGOs, and that these NGOs then use the money to lobby the European Parliament.

Their outrage sounds something like this: “It’s unacceptable that taxpayer money is used by environmental NGOs to flood MEPs with mass emails trying to influence legislation!”

Honestly, I have to ask—where exactly is the scandal?

Brussels is home to over 30,000 lobbyists—including many who represent powerful corporations like Shell and Monsanto. It is completely legitimate—and indeed essential—that environmental and human rights organizations also raise their voices, present facts, and advocate to MEPs. Yes, the European Commission supports some of these organizations financially. But not to push a political agenda—rather, to ensure that smaller actors without big budgets still get a say. That’s a vital part of any vibrant, democratic civil society.

The Smoking Gun That Backfired

This recent wave of attacks against NGOs was triggered by a leak. Confidential contracts between the European Commission and environmental NGOs were passed to the press. The annexes included NGO activity reports—some of which mentioned advocacy efforts targeting the European Parliament. For some conservatives, that was the smoking gun: proof that the Commission was funding NGO lobbying. The scandal seemed complete.

But then came a twist.

An investigative report in Süddeutsche Zeitung revealed that the European Commission had signed similar contracts with private companies. One such contract—with BayWa re—included references to lobbying activities directed at politicians. Suddenly, the accusations against NGOs started to unravel.

The Most Dangerous Attacks Were Defeated—For Now

The attacks went far beyond words. EPP submitted amendments in committee that would have forced NGOs to repay EU funds. Far-right groups even called for a parliamentary inquiry committee. None of these proposals have gained majority support in the European Parliament—though some votes were razor-thin. In one Environment Committee vote challenging NGO funding, conservatives lost by just a single vote.

So far, we’ve managed to repel the most dangerous attacks on civil society. That’s thanks in part to the Greens’ success in rallying allies and standing firm against this smear campaign. Europe’s Conservatives are not united in their campaign towards NGOs—but we must stay vigilant. Europe’s political landscape is shifting rightward, and more conservatives are ready to take advantage of it.

This isn’t just about budgets. It’s about who gets a seat at the table in Europe.
And we say clearly: Environmental and human rights organizations absolutely belong at that table when decisions about Europe’s future are being made.