22
Jan
2025
Watch
EU financing through the LIFE programme of entities lobbying EU institutions and the need for transparency (debate)
Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen! The Qatargate socialist scandal has shown that NGOs need more control. Unfortunately, at the time, as we voted in Parliament, the left and also parts of the Renew had not voted in favour of our transparency motion. But it is clear: NGOs need to explain how they are funded, what their business model is and what their goals are – and this is no different for every company. And it cannot be the case that the European Commission pays NGOs for influencing MEPs in order to enforce left-wing green policies against agriculture and the economy, and that with European tax money. Well, that's so. And I think because you mentioned companies earlier, Mr. Freund: Companies have to prove everything in every promotion when they start funding and even if they get the funding then, these bills are highly complicated. You really shouldn't confuse this with business.