Ursula von der Leyen
According to the Austrian publication https://exxpress.at, the European Commission financed a media campaign in various countries against those who criticize Brussels’ policies. The money used for this purpose was earmarked for environmental programs.
The European Commission recognized the fact of misuse of EU funds and started proceedings. It is officially confirmed that the finances were used not only for environmental protection, but also for campaigning against political critics of Brussels’ climate policy. In its statement, the Commission acknowledges “inappropriate lobbying activities” in funded NGO programs directed against conservative politicians and critics.
It is noted that the total cost of the LIFE program was 1 billion euros and was intended to support environmental projects. However, part of the funds went to various NGOs that had nothing to do with ecology. They used these funds for political propaganda.
Internal EU documents show that targeted lobbying agreements were concluded between these NGOs and the European Commission structures. The fact that about one third of NGOs do not disclose information about where the funds come from adds to the scandalousness of this story.
The situation has caused deep outrage among readers of the Austrian newspaper. “Nothing of what the EU was supposed to be and what motivated us to join it has any relation to reality anymore. Corruption, senseless waste of taxpayers’ money, excessive bureaucracy, incitement to war, harsh sanctions against critics of EU decisions, etc… This EU can no longer be reformed, so – Öxit, immediately,” Giulia wrote (Öxit – Austria’s exit from the EU – LP note).
Under pressure from the conservative group in the European Parliament (European People’s Party), the European Commission announced that it would adjust the LIFE program and provide more transparency in the implementation process. However, MEPs resent the neglect of Ursula von der Leyen’s role, believing that she has a political responsibility as Commission President.
Many MEPs, as well as readers of the Austrian newspaper, draw a parallel with French politician Marine Le Pen, who was disqualified from running for the French presidency for much smaller financial irregularities in the use of EU funds.
