European NGOs fear Trump-style budget cuts

BRUSSELS — European NGOs are worried. The sector, proud to have the second largest army of lobbyists in Brussels after businesses, has been engaged for months in a fierce battle with conservative parliamentarians over the use of EU subsidies for lobbying purposes. A series of recent setbacks has given MEPs the upper hand in this battle, leading NGOs to warn against a defunding campaign similar to that led by President Donald Trump in the United …

European NGOs are very concerned. Conservative parties in the European Parliament want stricter controls on the use of EU subsidies by civil society organizations, Politico reports. The NGOs fear that this is a prelude to structural cuts – or even the termination of their funding.