Stop the Stigmatization of NGO’s – For Transparent, Fair Oversight of EU-Funded Advocacy

For months the far-right and the EPP attacks NGOs based on false claims. From the outset, Renew Europe opposed the idea of launching any inquiry committee on the NGOs. While we did not support the creation of a working group either, in the spirit of constructive engagement, we made the effort to shape a fair and balanced proposal for a working group in extremis.

Renew Europe President Valérie Hayer: “Our proposal would have ensured equal treatment, transparency and institutional integrity without fuelling suspicion or discrimination or singling out NGOs. With all entities engaging in advocacy activities within the scope of examination.”

Today, Renew Europe deeply regrets the missed opportunity of the EPP to reaffirm its commitment to defending civic space and upholding democratic values by steering the debate on transparency in EU funding towards politically motivated attacks on NGOs instead of a fair and balanced framework of scrutiny.

Crucially, we insisted to broaden the scope of the working group by replacing the narrow focus on NGOs with the more inclusive term "any entities” involved in advocacy as essential change to avoid the unjust targeting of civil society actors and to uphold the principle of non-discrimination.

Renew Europe President Valérie Hayer: “We stand firm. Transparency must never be used as a political weapon. Oversight is legitimate – but only when it is impartial, proportional and fair. We will continue to resist any attempt to undermine the legitimacy of civil society organisations that play a crucial role in defending democracy, the rule of law and human rights across Europe.”

In this context, Renew Europe could not give its support and voted against.