Enviromental groups got EU subsidies to lobby for Timmermans' green plans: report
The European Commission has been paying subsidies to environmental groups with the condition that they lobby for the Commission’s green plans, the Telegraaf reports based on a subsidy contract with one environmental group that it has in its possession. Environmental organizations also got subsidies to promote the green plans of former European Commissioner Frans Timmermans, according to the newspaper.
The money came from a pot for climate and environmental subsidies, and many came with conditions, the newspaper wrote. For example, the European Environmental Bureau - an umbrella organization of green organizations in Europe, including Milieudefensie and Natuurmonumenten from the Netherlands - was explicitly instructed to provide at least 16 examples of how the European Parliament has made green legislation more ambitious thanks to their lobbying. The umbrella group also promoted Timmermans’ Nature Restoration Act and had to steer the farmers’ debate in the green direction, according to the contract the Telegraaf has in its possession.
As a member of the budget control committee, NSC Member of the European Parliament Dirk Gotink and several colleagues are now investigating the subsidy contracts with environmental groups. “There were even lobby lists with names of politicians who had to be approached,” he told the Telegraaf. “This is not a smear campaign against the environmental movement. Of course, they are allowed to lobby. I am targeting the European Commission. This seems to be a highly orchestrated interplay between a green coalition led by Timmermans and a left-wing majority in the European Parliament.”
Timmermans is now back in Dutch politics as the parliamentary leader of GroenLinks-PvdA - the biggest opposition party to the Schoof I coalition, which includes the NSC.
“I want to know whether this also applies to other themes, such as migration,” Gotink said. “Brussels is the lobbying capital of Europe: is this a bad apple or is it a widespread practice?”
The European Environmental Bureau responded to the Telegraaf’s accusations with criticism. “A flourishing democracy requires resources that enable the voice of citizens to reach decision-makers,” Secretary General Patrick ten Brink said in a written response. “Unlike actors with much resources, such as foreign governments and multinationals, European citizens and their civil society organizations often do not have sufficient resources. EU support is needed to ensure a level playing field.”
