A coordinated statement by over 570 civil society organisations from all EU Member States and beyond, including BCSDN, responds to recent attacks from certain MEPs—primarily from the European People’s Party and far-right groups—aimed at delegitimising CSO advocacy in EU institutions. The narrative, amplified in some media, misrepresents how CSOs are funded and operate, while ignoring the disproportionate influence of corporate lobbying. In contrast to the €200 million spent by the 50 top corporate lobbyists in 2024, environmental NGOs receive just €15.6 million annually under the LIFE programme. Civil Society Europe (CSE) and its co-signatories call for the defence of civic space, adequate funding for CSOs, and genuine civil dialogue at EU level. The statement urges EU decision-makers to safeguard civil society’s ability to participate meaningfully in shaping democratic processes. Read more here.
Source: Civil Society Europe
