Ahead of the inaugural meeting of the European Parliament’s new scrutiny working group (SWG) on EU funding for NGOs scheduled for 26 November, environmental organisations have voiced strong concerns about the group’s mandate, composition, and purpose. They argue that the SWG’s narrow focus on NGOs, rather than all beneficiaries of EU funding, is unnecessary and politically motivated, given that robust procedures for auditing and monitoring EU funds already exist.
A spokesperson representing the concerned organisations described the working group as biased from the outset, designed to undermine the credibility and legitimacy of NGOs. They noted that the SWG is dominated by conservative and right-wing MEPs who have historically opposed stronger EU transparency rules and expressed hostility toward civil society. According to the organisations, the group risks institutionalising attacks on NGOs and spreading disinformation rather than genuinely enhancing accountability.
While environmental NGOs fully support transparency and accountability, they warned that the SWG’s selective scope could distort public perception by targeting NGOs exclusively, without assessing other EU fund beneficiaries such as corporations and consultancies. Public funding, they emphasise, is vital for civil society to provide independent expertise, engage communities, facilitate citizen participation, monitor law implementation, and hold governments and corporations accountable. Without predictable and transparent funding, watchdog capacity is weakened and policymaking becomes more susceptible to undue influence.
The composition of the SWG, largely conservative and right-wing, has heightened concerns, as several centrist and left-leaning political groups have chosen to boycott the initiative. These groups argue that participation would legitimise a process aimed at singling out NGOs, rather than ensuring comprehensive oversight of all EU funding. Critics also highlight that the SWG’s mandate duplicates existing oversight mechanisms, potentially undermining the Parliament’s Budgetary Control Committee and established audit systems.
Environmental organisations noted that repeated attacks on NGOs by members of the European People’s Party and far-right factions have fostered an atmosphere of suspicion despite no evidence of wrongdoing. Reports from the European Court of Auditors and thorough parliamentary audits have consistently found no misuse of EU funds, financial irregularities, or rule breaches, while existing programmes like LIFE already maintain rigorous monitoring and auditing systems applicable to all beneficiaries.
These developments are seen as part of a broader erosion of civic space in Europe. NGOs face increasing administrative hurdles, legal intimidation, and chronic resource pressures, mirroring tactics historically associated with governments outside democratic norms. Despite these challenges, environmental organisations reaffirm their commitment to transparency, public scrutiny, and responsible use of EU funds. They will continue to provide factual evidence demonstrating the critical role civil society plays in implementing EU environmental laws, advancing the European Green Deal, and ensuring meaningful public participation in governance.
