Source: European Parliament
16.10.2025
Question for written answer E-004093/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Piotr Müller (ECR)
The Commission promotes the European Democracy Shield as a tool for protecting democracy against external interference and disinformation.
However, the credibility and effectiveness of such measures depend on full transparency on the funding of NGOs and information campaigns.
It is these organisations, often posing as guardians of democracy, that truly shape public opinion and have a direct impact on political debate in Europe. If citizens do not know who is funding specific NGOs or media messages, there is a risk that these activities are inspired by entities interested in manipulating the European political narrative.
The lack of transparency regarding sources of support not only weakens the fight against disinformation, but also undermines the foundation of trust in democracy itself. This is particularly important in the context of EU grants, especially green grants, which may be linked to active political lobbying.
In view of this situation:
- 1.Why does the Commission not explicitly propose full transparency on NGO funding and information campaigns as part of European Democracy Shield?
- 2.How will the Commission ensure that citizens have access to clear information about who actually finances the organisations involved in shaping EU information policy?
- 3.Will the Commission guarantee full transparency on the funds it transfers to NGOs, especially in the area of environmental grants, in order to avoid a situation where the organisations receiving funding themselves engage in political lobbying?
Submitted: 16.10.2025