Health NGOs are facing new restrictions on the use of EU funds, as the European Commission moves to bar advocacy and lobbying activities from eligibility under its grants. The decision follows similar actions taken earlier against environmental groups and comes amid growing pressure from right-wing lawmakers demanding greater transparency in NGO funding. Several Brussels-based health organizations, many representing patient interests, received letters in April from the Commission’s Health and Digital Executive Agency stating that their advocacy work is no longer eligible for EU operating grants due to potential “reputational risk” to the EU. Activities such as sending letters, organizing meetings, and providing advocacy materials to EU institutions, once acceptable, are now excluded from funding. Read more here.
Source: Politico