European lawmakers are expanding their investigation into EU grant contracts, widening the scope beyond environmental NGOs to include major corporations and migrant organizations. The European Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control now seeks to review 28 contracts issued by the European Commission. These grants, worth €58.2 million, were awarded between 2019 and 2024 to businesses like Shell and Volkswagen, as well as NGOs supporting LGBTQI+ migrants and asylum seekers.
This development follows political tensions over how EU funds are allocated. Initially, the center-right European People’s Party (EPP) raised concerns that the Commission had funded NGOs to lobby in favor of the Green Deal through the LIFE funding program. The Commission later adjusted contracts with the affected organizations. In response, left-wing groups called for a broader probe, demanding scrutiny of contracts awarded to corporations alongside those given to NGOs.
The grants under review span several EU programs, including the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund Police program, and the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Program. Other funding streams under scrutiny include the Common Agricultural Policy’s information measures and multiple projects managed by the Commission’s agriculture and home affairs departments.
Among the contracts in question are agreements linked to the CONNEcting Cities Towards Integration actiON project, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility, and the Mobilities for EU initiative. The review will also cover funds allocated to the Integrated Projects of the European Social Dialogue and other key EU-backed programs.
In addition to Shell and Volkswagen, other companies and trade associations affected by the inquiry include BusinessEurope, Ramboll Consulting, Ricardo Nederland, BayWa Solar Projects, North European Oil Trade Oy, PlantPress, and AgroTV.
The investigation highlights the growing divide within the European Parliament over EU spending priorities. While right-wing groups push for stricter controls on NGO funding, left-wing parties are advocating for equal scrutiny of corporate grants. The outcome of this debate could influence future EU funding decisions and shape the balance of power in budget allocations.