The study seeks to shed light on the funding sources of the groups analysed, particularly in light of the recent European Court of Auditors Special Report 11/2025: ‘Transparency of EU Funding to NGOs.’ Its findings are consistent with those of the Court, pointing to persistent gaps in transparency and raising concerns about the traceability and ultimate use of substantial financial flows.

According to the report, while industry-based interest groups—such as fisheries associations and value-chain organisations—generally present clear and identifiable funding sources, more could be done to improve public accessibility to this information. In contrast, numerous environmental EU NGOs show a certain level of opacity in their financial structures.

A key concern identified is the use of legal mechanisms such as donor-advised funds and donor-restricted funds—commonly used in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany. These instruments allow for the accumulation and distribution of large sums—often hundreds of millions of dollars—without disclosing the end-use or timeline for deployment. These tools hinder traceability and benefit from tax derogations.

The report highlights the difficulty in identifying not only the origin of the funding for certain advocacy actions, but also the underlying motivations. While the interests of fisheries-sector stakeholders are largely known—seeking environmental, economic, and social sustainability for their communities—the real agendas behind some environmental lobby groups remain unclear.

The report notes that several large technology and fossil fuel companies appear as indirect financiers of some conservation-focused NGOs. Although seemingly unrelated to the marine environment, these companies often have overlapping interests in ocean spaces through activities like deep-sea mining. This sector, essential for sourcing minerals used in high-tech manufacturing, requires access to marine zones traditionally used for fishing—potentially setting the stage for conflicting uses of ocean resources.

In this context, the report warns that the debate is no longer only about transparency and governance. It reveals the growing convergence of geopolitical strategies and private economic interests in marine spaces.

Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche, declared: ‘It is crucial to verify whether donations from major non-EU foundations and philanthropic organisations come with strings attached—such as campaigning against specific fishing gears or fleets, or pushing for the establishment of no-take marine protected areas.’ He added: ‘The EU must adopt more robust safeguards to identify the true interests behind such funding and ensure that non-EU agendas are clearly and transparently recognised within the EU’s policy-making process.’

ANNEX – Mapping NGO financial flow

Press Contact: 

Daniel Voces de Onaíndi, Managing Director of Europêche | Email: daniel.voces@europeche.org Phone: +32 489 26 81 07

EP Press Release – NGO Funding Marinnleg

The allegations are particularly troubling given their potential implications for industries like fishing, which are already facing immense regulatory and economic pressures. Policies tied to the Green Deal, including the Nature Restoration Law, have profound consequences for Europe’s fishing communities. These will require drastic measures such as further closures of traditional fishing grounds. If public funds were indeed used to support campaigns aimed at influencing policies in this sector, such actions could have compromised the integrity and impartiality of decision-making within the EU.

As an example, Europêche points to the increasing number of NGO-led campaigns against bottom fishing, which is a legal, certified and well-regulated fishing method in Europe. Many of these campaigns appear to advocate for an outright ban on the practice rather than pursuing opportunities for improvement or collaboration with the fishing sector. Furthermore, similar lobbying initiatives appear to have received financial support from the Commission, such as the NGO “Blue Manifesto 2024” or campaigns criticising quota systems of selected Member States.

Europêche calls on the Commission to provide immediate clarification on whether public funds were used to finance NGOs tasked with influencing the adoption of the Green Deal. This includes identifying the organizations involved, their specific objectives and the amounts of funding they received. Clear information is essential to restoring confidence in the policymaking process.

In light of the gravity of the allegations, Europêche also calls on the Commission and the Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) to launch an independent investigation. This inquiry should establish the facts, determine whether any breaches of democratic principles have occurred and propose corrective measures to prevent similar issues in the future.

Until these clarifications are provided and the situation is resolved, Europêche recommends pausing any decisions that might be influenced by these alleged practices. Continuing to implement policies adopted under a potentially compromised system, risks endorsing practices that EU institutions, particularly the Commission, regularly criticize when observed in other states or institutions. Javier Garat, President of Europêche, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating: ‘These allegations, if substantiated, would constitute a major breach of democratic principles and a betrayal of the trust placed in the European environmental policies adopted during the previous legislative term. Our fishers, who already face immense challenges adapting to Green Deal policies, deserve decision-making processes that are transparent, impartial and accountable.’

The fishing industry, which contributes significantly to Europe’s food security and coastal economies, cannot bear the brunt of policies shaped by radical environmental proposals pushed by undisclosed lobbying efforts.

Europêche reiterates its support for environmental sustainability but emphasizes that policymaking must be balanced, evidence-based and respectful of the socio-economic realities faced by European communities. As the voice of Europe’s fishing industry, Europêche demands that the Commission ensures full transparency and independence in its dealings with NGOs and other stakeholders.

ANNEX

Press Contact: 

Daniel Voces de Onaíndi, Managing Director of Europêche | Email: daniel.voces@europeche.org | Phone: +32 489 26 81

EP Press Release – NGO Funding