Europarliament Demands Clarification on 'Green Lobbying Scandal', Timmermans Denies Involvement

strasbourg - European politicians seek answers regarding a lobbying scandal involving green initiatives, while former Eurocommissioner Timmermans denies any connection.

European Politicians Call for Transparency

During a debate in the European Parliament, politicians from various parties demand clarification on recent lobbying scandals surrounding green initiatives. The issue revolves around allegations of environmental organizations influencing politicians to support former EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans' green policies. PvdA MEP Mohammed Chahim emphasizes the need for thorough investigation, questioning the focus solely on environmental groups. Dirk Gotink, a member of the Budget Control Committee, voices concerns about the shadow lobbying, stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy separation of powers. Sander Smit of BBB advocates for full disclosure in a democracy, highlighting the unacceptable blurring of executive and oversight powers.

While some MEPs call for broader scrutiny into EU subsidies for NGOs, others, such as Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy of D66, stress the importance of transparency through the release of all relevant documents. SGP's Bert-Jan Ruissen points out discrepancies in EU funding for certain ethical issues, criticizing the use of funds to promote agendas conflicting with established regulations.

Green MEPs defend environmental organizations during the debate, viewing the attention on the lobbying scandal as an attempt to silence NGOs and strip them of vital funding. French Green politician Marie Toussaint condemns the situation as a conspiracy against those advocating for the common good.

Eurocommissioner Piotr Serafin acknowledges the controversial lobbying practices, pledging to revise existing contracts and implement stricter guidelines for future funding programs.

Frans Timmermans, in response to the allegations, denies direct involvement in securing subsidies via lobbying efforts. He emphasizes the importance of full transparency to verify the accuracy of the claims.