The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group welcomes today's compromise in the Conference of Presidents to set up a working group within the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT).

The special working group will examine the European Commission’s financial support for NGOs and private entities involved in advocacy activities.

“Without our initiative, this would never have happened. We managed to secure this despite strong opposition from the left, thanks to a centre-right majority – formed by the EPP, ECR and the PfE”, ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini said.

While the ECR Group regrets that there was no majority in favour of a full Committee of Inquiry, the working group is a significant and positive step. “What matters now is that this working group does the best job possible to restore transparency and trust in how EU funds are managed”, commented Procaccini.

“As initiators of the proposal, we are particularly pleased that one of the two co-rapporteurs responsible for the working group’s final report will come from the ECR Group”, Procaccini said.

The ECR Group initiated the push for an inquiry committee earlier this year, gathering over 200 signatures. “Let me be clear: Some of these organisations have received EU money while engaging in direct lobbying and political campaigning – often in close coordination with the Commission. That crosses a line. When taxpayer money is used to fund those trying to influence EU decisions, citizens have a right to know. This is about transparency and restoring trust,” stressed Mr Procaccini.

The ECR Group emphasised that their concerns were based on specific examples, beginning with the revelations in the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf and reinforced by a report from the European Court of Auditors. New media reports in Germany again raised serious questions about EU-funded lobbying contracts.

“The debate is not about NGOs as such. It is about the nature of certain contracts, some of which may blur the line between policy participation and institutional lobbying too much”, said Mr Procaccini.

Mr Procaccini concluded: “We originally asked for a full committee of inquiry. That remains our preferred option. But, as group leaders, we must also face political reality. We accept this compromise, and we will ensure that the working group delivers.”

The special working group will comprise 13 CONT members, will run for six months, and will present its findings and recommendations to the Committee. The report will then be presented to the Conference of Presidents.