Serious allegations have surfaced, relating to claims that the European Commission has funded environmental NGOs to lobby Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and Member States in favour of the European Green Deal. According to industry body Europêche, these claims, highlighted in a recent media investigation, raise critical questions about transparency, accountability and democratic integrity in the EU’s policymaking processes.
‘The allegations are particularly troubling given their potential implications for industries such as fishing, which are already facing immense regulatory and economic pressures. Policies tied to the Green Deal, including the Nature Restoration Law, have profound consequences for Europe’s fishing communities,’ a Europêche representative commented.
‘These will require drastic measures such as further closures of traditional fishing grounds. If public funds were indeed used to support campaigns aimed at influencing policies in this sector, such actions could have compromised the integrity and impartiality of decision-making within the EU.’
Europêche cites as examples the swathe of NGO-led campaigns against bottom fishing, which is a legal, certified and well-regulated fishing method in Europe.
The industry pointed out that these campaigns advocate for an outright ban rather than pursuing opportunities for improvement or collaboration with the fishing sector. Furthermore, similar lobbying initiatives appear to have received financial support from the Commission, such as the NGO “Blue Manifesto 2024” or campaigns criticising quota systems of selected Member States.
Europêche is calling for the Commission to provide immediate clarification on whether public funds were used to finance NGOs tasked with influencing the adoption of the Green Deal. This includes identifying the organisations involved, their specific objectives and the amounts of funding they received. Clear information is essential to restoring confidence in the policymaking process.
In light of the gravity of these allegations, Europêche is also requesting that the Commission and the Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) launch an independent investigation. This inquiry should establish the facts, determine whether any breaches of democratic principles have occurred and propose corrective measures to prevent similar issues in the future.
Until these clarifications are provided and the situation is resolved, Europêche wants to see any decisions suspended that might be influenced by these alleged practices, stating that continuing to implement policies adopted under a potentially compromised system, risks endorsing practices that EU institutions, particularly the Commission, regularly criticise when observed in other states or institutions.
‘These allegations, if substantiated, would constitute a major breach of democratic principles and a betrayal of the trust placed in the European environmental policies adopted during the previous legislative term. Our fishers, who already face immense challenges adapting to Green Deal policies, deserve decision-making processes that are transparent, impartial and accountable,’ said Europêche president Javier Garat, commenting that the Commission must ensure full transparency and independence in its dealings with NGOs and other stakeholders.
‘The fishing industry, which contributes significantly to Europe’s food security and coastal economies, cannot bear the brunt of policies shaped by radical environmental proposals pushed by undisclosed lobbying efforts.’
