Europêche Demands Transparency Over Alleged NGO Lobbying Funding

Europêche, the leading body representing Europe’s fishing industry, has raised serious concerns over allegations that the European Commission financed environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to lobby Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and Member States in favour of the European Green Deal.

The claims, unveiled in a recent journalistic investigation, have sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability in EU policymaking processes.

The allegations suggest that public funds may have been used to support NGO campaigns advocating for policies tied to the Green Deal, including the contentious Nature Restoration Law. Such measures have far-reaching implications for Europe’s fishing communities, potentially leading to closures of traditional fishing grounds and increased economic pressures on the sector.

Europêche highlighted NGO-led campaigns against bottom fishing as a significant example of the issue. Despite being a legal, certified, and well-regulated practice in Europe, bottom fishing has been the focus of lobbying campaigns calling for outright bans rather than collaborative improvements. Europêche also cited instances such as the “Blue Manifesto 2024” campaign, which appears to have received financial support from the Commission.

In response, Europêche is calling on the European Commission to provide immediate clarification on whether public funds were allocated to NGOs for lobbying efforts, detailing the organizations involved, their objectives, and the amounts received.

“These allegations, if substantiated, would constitute a major breach of democratic principles and a betrayal of the trust placed in European environmental policies,” said Javier Garat, President of Europêche. “Our fishers, already struggling to adapt to Green Deal policies, deserve transparent and impartial decision-making processes.”

The organization has urged the Commission and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) to launch an independent investigation into the matter. Europêche has also recommended pausing any policy decisions potentially influenced by these alleged practices until the situation is clarified and resolved.

While Europêche reaffirms its commitment to environmental sustainability, it emphasises the importance of balanced and evidence-based policymaking that respects the socio-economic realities of European coastal communities.

The fishing industry, a vital contributor to Europe’s food security and coastal economies, cannot be subject to policies shaped by undisclosed lobbying. Europêche is demanding full transparency and independence in the Commission’s dealings with NGOs to ensure the integrity of EU policymaking remains intact.