Fact Check: EPP forms alliance with far-right to attack NGOs, critics claim.

Fact Check: EPP Forms Alliance with Far-Right to Attack NGOs, Critics Claim

What We Know

The claim that the European People's Party (EPP) has formed an alliance with far-right groups to target non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is supported by multiple sources. The EPP has been accused of collaborating with anti-European far-right parties to create a scrutiny working group within the European Parliament (EP) focused exclusively on NGO funding from the EU budget. This initiative has been criticized for rejecting broader transparency measures that would include all beneficiaries of EU funds, such as private entities and multinational companies (Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament).

The Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group in the EP has publicly denounced this decision, characterizing it as a "witch hunt" against civil society, and asserting that the EPP is using NGOs as scapegoats to further a narrow political agenda (Politico). Furthermore, the EPP's actions have been described as aligning with far-right interests, particularly in the context of investigating alleged misuse of EU funds by environmental NGOs (Euractiv).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible political sources and statements made by members of the European Parliament. The S&D group, which is a significant political faction within the EP, has expressed strong opposition to the EPP's actions, framing them as an unjustified attack on NGOs (Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament). This perspective is reinforced by the assertion that the EPP's focus on NGO funding is not only selective but also politically motivated, aiming to secure alternative majorities with conservative and far-right factions (Euractiv).

The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their institutional backgrounds. The S&D group represents a coalition of social democratic parties across Europe, providing a counter-narrative to the EPP's actions. However, it is important to note that while the S&D group is a credible source, their framing of the situation may be influenced by partisan interests. Thus, while they present a valid critique, their perspective should be considered within the broader context of political rivalry in the EP.

Moreover, the reports from Politico and Euractiv are reputable news outlets that cover European politics extensively, further validating the claims regarding the EPP's alignment with far-right groups.

Conclusion

The claim that the EPP has formed an alliance with far-right groups to attack NGOs is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources indicates that the EPP is indeed collaborating with far-right factions to scrutinize NGO funding, which has been criticized as a politically motivated attack on civil society. The EPP's actions appear to be part of a broader strategy to consolidate power with conservative allies, thereby justifying the concerns raised by critics.

Fact Check: EPP forms alliance with far-right to attack NGOs, critics claim.