In recent votes, the EPP has worked together with parties such as Identity and Democracy (ID) and European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), leading to majorities for resolutions rejected by the left and liberals. This EPP cooperation 'to the right' is causing friction among social democrats, Greens, and liberals.
The irritation within the parliament has been further fueled by the recent campaign of EPP leader Manfred Weber against the Green Deal of former EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans. Environmental legislation like the Nature Restoration Plan and the farm-to-fork (F2F) food strategy were also supported by environmental organizations that received financial support from EU programs such as LIFE.
The EPP recently questioned the role of EU-funded NGOs in the European legislative process. According to the group, there is a 'grey zone' where public subsidies are used for political influence. This criticism is shared by other right-wing parties, with whom the EPP cooperates in this context.
Center-left groups see this course as an attempt by the EPP to silence civil society. NGOs are seen as playing an essential role in safeguarding democratic values and environmental protection. According to Follow the Money, organizations warn of a 'shrinking space' for citizen participation in the EU.
However, the EPP points to some concrete cases where environmental organizations received EU funding while actively campaigning for specific legislation. The European Commission is said to have provided insufficient accountability on this matter. LIFE funds have been used for lobbying activities around the nature restoration proposal, which opponents view as 'inappropriate influence.' The European Commission confirmed funding but denied it was used unlawfully.
Despite growing divisions, the EPP seems unwilling to deviate from its line. Group leader Manfred Weber continues to advocate for a reorientation of the European course, where economic interests and 'farmers' concerns' should carry more weight than green ambitions. This rhetoric resonates with right-wing groups, strengthening their collaboration.
Liberal and social democratic groups view this cooperation as a threat to the balance within the Parliament. Their previous support for Von der Leyen was based on pro-European cooperation and support for climate policy. This principle is now increasingly under pressure, as reported by both Follow the Money and Politico.