Posted on May, 07 2025

This conclusion comes after months of baseless allegations of a small but vocal group of MEPs, aimed at discrediting civil society voices that speak up for nature, climate action, and future generations.

“We are relieved that this chapter is now closed, and eager to get back to what really matters: working with citizens, policymakers, and our partners to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises,” said Tycho Vandermaesen, Policy & Strategy Director at the WWF European Policy Office. “This vote is a clear political signal reaffirming that EU funding rules were respected and that our work—grounded in science, EU values and public interest—is both legitimate and essential for a thriving democracy. We now move forward with renewed determination to fight for Europe’s green transition.”

In its resolution on the 2023 discharge, the Parliament underscored the essential role of NGOs in representing diverse perspectives in public debates and acknowledged that EU funding supports this vital function. This includes funding provided through the LIFE Programme, which had been at the center of the controversy and unfounded accusations. In a separate vote on the EU’s future long-term budget which also took place today, the Parliament called to increase support for climate and biodiversity spending under the LIFE programme.  

The parliament also welcomed the confirmation by Budget Commissioner Serafin, that funding  granted and used by NGOs under the LIFE Programme was in full respect of EU treaties and legislation, noting that the use of EU Funding for NGO advocacy is legal and in line with the EU's transparency requirements. Earlier, the European Commission had conducted a legal review of the grant agreements questioned by some members of the Budgetary Control committee. The review found no evidence of contractual or ethical breaches by the NGOs concerned.

Attempts by the Patriots for Europe, the Europe of Sovereign Nations, and the European Conservatives and Reformists to insert last-minute amendments casting doubt on the integrity of NGOs were overwhelmingly rejected. 

Looking ahead, Parliament must remain consistent. It should firmly reject the far-right’s proposal to launch an inquiry committee into Commission funding for environmental NGOs. Inquiry committees should be reserved for serious matters, not used to amplify disinformation or delegitimise civil society.