The European Union’s Green Deal has taken another hit, with the Commission admitting that billions of euros in taxpayer funding were used to lobby for its own policies—a revelation that underscores the questionable priorities and governance failures of the EU. Critics argue this scandal highlights the disconnect between the EU’s lofty climate goals and the misuse of public money to prop up its agenda.
Polish MEP Bogdan Rzońca didn’t hold back, calling the situation a “scandal” and accusing the European Commission of essentially purchasing favorable opinions for the Green Deal. “We have an accusation that the European Commission is buying positive opinions, and this is a scandal,” he said, emphasizing how deeply flawed the EU’s approach has been.
According to Politico, documents show that the EU’s LIFE program—armed with a staggering €5.4 billion budget between 2021 and 2027—funneled funds to major environmental NGOs like WWF, Friends of the Earth, and ClientEarth. Instead of focusing solely on genuine environmental projects, these groups allegedly used the money for lobbying efforts aimed at influencing EU officials and advancing the Commission’s policy goals. Activities included organizing meetings, drafting advocacy materials, and targeting specific policymakers to push Green Deal narratives.
Faced with growing backlash, the EU has now announced it will no longer allow LIFE funds to support lobbying activities. New guidelines explicitly ban taxpayer money from being spent on “active lobbying” efforts, such as identifying officials to pressure or pushing specific political outcomes. The Commission acknowledged that such activities posed a “reputational risk for the Union.”
However, NGOs are still permitted to engage in less direct forms of advocacy, such as publishing research papers, hosting workshops, and raising awareness. LIFE-funded organizations are now required to revise their plans for 2024 to eliminate any tasks that could be construed as lobbying.
Some environmental groups are fuming over the restrictions, claiming the decision contradicts the very purpose of the program. An unnamed official argued, “The purpose of the [LIFE] program is to support the Commission in policy development and implementation. They want us to be involved.” This statement only fuels concerns that the Green Deal is less about genuine environmentalism and more about top-down control.
Rzońca suggested this isn’t an isolated incident, warning that the Commission’s admission could reveal a pattern of using taxpayer money to manipulate public opinion and policy outcomes. He also criticized former Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans for sidestepping accountability by retreating to the Netherlands as pressure mounts for answers.
The scandal comes as the European People’s Party fulfills campaign promises to temper the Green Deal’s sweeping ambitions. Recent decisions, such as reducing deforestation regulations and easing sustainability reporting requirements for companies, reflect growing skepticism about the Deal’s economic impact. Despite these shifts, the EU claims that the LIFE program still plays a crucial role in advancing its climate goals.
Yet, for many, the damage is done. With €5.4 billion in taxpayer money already allocated, critics argue the Green Deal is more about bolstering the EU’s political agenda than addressing real environmental challenges. This latest scandal serves as another reminder of the EU’s flawed priorities, as the bloc continues to spend billions while failing to deliver meaningful results for its citizens.
