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For years there has been suspicion, now it is official: The EU Commission under Ursula von der Leyen has supported environmental organizations with tax money – not only for climate and environmental protection, but also for political dirt campaigns. The aim of the funded NGOs was to specifically attack critics of Brussels’ climate policy.

Mouthwash against conservatives and critics

The explosive admission: In an official statement, the Commission admits that there have been “inappropriate lobbying activities” in funded NGO programs. This apparently refers to targeted attacks on political opponents who opposed individual EU plans.

The admission: ‘The Commission notes that the work programs submitted by the NGOs … contained inadmissible lobbying activities.’ ec.europa.eu/screenshot

Subsidies for propaganda

Specifically, it concerns the billion-euro “LIFE” funding program, which was intended to promote environmental projects and climate measures. However, it turns out that organizations were also paid to use these funds to mobilize against conservative politicians and critical voices.

Internal documents have previously mentioned “cooperation” with NGOs, in which it was agreed who was to be lobbied against. Now Brussels is admitting for the first time: yes, there were such cases – and yes, they were problematic.

Only a third of NGOs disclose cash flows

Particularly piquant: Financial lack of transparency is not an isolated case. Only around a third of the NGOs that are considered ‘non-profit’ disclose where their funds come from – and what exactly they do with EU money. Nevertheless, they were still financed.

Von der Leyen’s cave-in in installments

The Commission had already reacted for the first time in autumn 2024 – under growing pressure from the conservative group in the EU Parliament (EPP): An internal directive prohibited NGO projects from using subsidies to lobby EU institutions. However, this was apparently only the first step.

Now comes the second: Brussels announces “corrections” to the LIFE program and promises more transparency. A real new beginning? The Commission wants to continue to support NGOs – but “not against political measures or MEPs”.

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Featured image source, Timmermans:https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/buitenland/artikel/4843676/frans-timmermans-vicevoorzitter-portefeuillehouder-klimaat

Featured image source, von der Leyen: https://www.standaard.be/buitenland/von-der-leyen-belooft-te-strijden-voor-sterker-europa/41050666.html

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Published to The Liberty Beacon from EuropeReloaded.com