EU grants for NGOs: self-sabotage or necessary support?

EU grants for NGOs: self-sabotage or necessary support?

In the past few weeks, the topic of non -governmental organizations (NGOs) and their relationships with the EU has increasingly come to the fore. According to Exxpress.at , numerous NGOs are active by attacking companies from Germany and Europe in areas such as energy, agriculture and industry. Critics see this as a form of "self -sabotage with tax money" and call for a comprehensive discussion about the interdependencies between NGOs, politics and the EU.

The allegation that the EU Commission NGOs pays for lobbying is particularly noteworthy. According to reports, this accusation is based on secret contracts that were recently published by the "Welt am Sonntag". These agreements include that environmental associations such as Clientearth received financial resources to lead campaigns and lawsuits against companies, including against German companies. A secret contract from 2022, for example, obliges Clientearth to complain against coal-fired power plants and has guaranteed the NGO 350,000 euros for a concept for supporting the coal exit, as in the information of

In addition, it was underlined that the EU Commission has issued strict instructions to ensure that NGOs work programs are not approved if they are directed against institutions. Meanwhile, the European Court of Auditors has criticized the lack of transparency in the financing of NGOs. In May, it was also announced to tighten the rules for the financial support of NGOs to ensure the traceability of the funds, the website Br.de .

future prospects

In the middle of this debate, the role of ex-health minister Karl Lauterbach should also be mentioned. He was appointed the climate and health consultant at the WHO and speaks for a global "climate emergency". This raises questions about possible restrictions and realignments that are discussed by a broader public.

Economic forecasts for 2025 make it clear that the Austrian National Bank expects moderate growth, while experts advise caution. Risks such as inflation and a shortage of skilled workers could endanger the recovery, which continues to complicate the already complex situation around the NGOs.

The discussion about the NGO complex is expected to gain intensity, while the EU is still criticized for how it grants funding and what effects this has on society.