Fact Check: ECR's Demand for a Full Inquiry Committee Was Rejected by the EPP
What We Know
The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group has been vocal about its demand for a parliamentary committee of inquiry into the "Green Gate" affair, which involves allegations regarding the European Commission's funding of environmental NGOs. ECR MEP Carlo Fidanza emphasized the urgency of this inquiry, stating that it is essential for transparency in light of recent revelations from the German press regarding questionable links between the Commission and these NGOs (ECR Group).
Despite this demand, the request for a full inquiry committee was ultimately rejected. Instead, the European Parliament's Conference of Presidents (CoP) opted to establish a working group within the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) to scrutinize the funding of NGOs, a decision supported by the EPP and other right-wing groups. This working group is seen as a less invasive measure compared to a full inquiry committee, focusing more on future oversight rather than investigating past actions (Euronews).
Analysis
The claim that the ECR's demand for a full inquiry committee was rejected by the EPP is substantiated by multiple sources. The ECR's push for an inquiry was indeed met with opposition, as the CoP decided to form a working group instead. This working group, while still involving scrutiny of NGO funding, does not carry the same weight or authority as a full inquiry committee, which the ECR had advocated for (ECR Group, Euronews).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they originate from official statements by the ECR and reports from established news outlets like Euronews. Both sources provide a clear account of the events, including the rejection of the inquiry committee and the establishment of the working group, which aligns with the timeline of events surrounding the "Green Gate" affair.
Conclusion
The verdict is True. The ECR's demand for a full inquiry committee into the "Green Gate" affair was indeed rejected by the EPP, as evidenced by the establishment of a working group instead. This decision reflects the political dynamics within the European Parliament, where the EPP, despite being part of the right-wing coalition, opted for a less comprehensive approach to the scrutiny of NGO funding.
