Ecopreneur.eu Urges EU to Continue LIFE Operating Grants for Environmental NGOs
Today, Ecopreneur.eu, the European Sustainable Business Federation, has sent an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging the EU to continue supporting environmental NGOs through the LIFE operating grant programme for 2025-2027 and to preserve it under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
In recent weeks, media outlets have reported false allegations suggesting that the European Commission subsidised NGOs to promote Green Deal policies. However, investigations and official statements have confirmed that these accusations are baseless. The smear campaign appears to be part of a broader effort to discredit and defund NGOs advocating for sustainability.
Despite the accusations, the total budget for LIFE operating grants represents only about 2% of the EUR 5.4 billion LIFE programme, which itself is a tiny fraction (less than 0.3%) of the EU’s overall budget. Meanwhile, well-funded industry lobbyists continue to push for deregulation and delay Green Deal legislation, prioritising short-term profits over public and environmental interests.
As a federation representing 5,000 SMEs and frontrunning companies committed to sustainability, Ecopreneur.eu remains an independent advocate for a sustainable economy. While the federation has never received EU LIFE funding for its advocacy work, it recognises that these grants are crucial for many NGOs to provide the European Commission with objective insights into legislative gaps and policy risks.
“We strongly urge the European Commission and the European Parliament to resist attempts to undermine this vital funding programme. Protecting LIFE operating grants is essential for ensuring that the voices of civil society and sustainable businesses are heard in EU policymaking,” said Arthur ten Wolde, Executive Director of Ecopreneur.eu.
Maintaining this funding is a win-win for democracy, sustainability, and the future of Europe’s competitiveness.
Read the open letter to President Ursula von der Leyen HERE
