HEAL and several of members participated in the Second World Health Organization Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Colombia, March 2025, to showcase how health engagement for clean air can make a difference, and to underline the urgency to act.
Ahead of a key vote in the European Parliament, HEAL is one of over 550 civil society organisations from 40 countries, including all EU member states, urging democratic forces to act for a strong and independent civil society, including through adequate funding.
Civil society at the heart of the European project
Civil society engagement is at the heart of the European project, and civic participation is an essential pillar of our shared European values.
For over twenty years, HEAL has been at the forefront of bringing forward independent scientific research, to show the potential of saving health costs by reducing people’s exposure to pollution. We have also amplified the voices of those most vulnerable to the impacts of pollution and climate change. Alongside our members, who represent the public interest, we have identified gaps in EU environmental and climate legislation, offering pathways to enhance disease prevention efforts. Through communication, engagement and advocacy, we strive to hold EU, national and international decision-makers accountable for improving people’s health.
The perspective brought by HEAL and other civil society organisations to EU decision-making is invaluable and unique, yet the space for our engagement is shrinking.
Upholding public interest amidst resource-rich, profit-driven corporate lobbying
In the daily work of HEAL and other NGOs at EU level, there is an uneven playing field. Unlike well-resourced actors such as foreign governments, multinational corporations, and business associations, HEAL and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) often lack adequate resources to actively participate in public dialogues at the European level. This makes it challenging to ensure that both their expertise and that of their members are adequately represented.
In 2024, the 50 corporations with the largest lobbying budgets spent nearly €200 million lobbying the EU alone, a 66% increase compared to 2015. That’s two thirds more than in 2015, and ten times the total public budget allocated to support NGOs.
Therefore, civil society relies on EU support to help create a more even level-playing field. The EU has facilitated this by providing operating grants and ensuring EU-funded projects remain accessible to civil society, as outlined in the LIFE regulation.
The €15.6 million environmental NGOs receive annually under the EU LIFE programme – out of a €700 million yearly budget – is merely a drop in the ocean compared to the vast resources, influence and access that industry enjoys in the EU decision-making process. LIFE remains the only EU spending programme for climate and environmental measures, with the majority of its funding allocated to project grants. In addition, all LIFE beneficiaries are required to provide co-financing.
Attacks on civil society: unprecedented in scale and in use of disinformation
In recent months, European civil society organisations (CSOs) have been facing an unprecedented attack coming from certain Members of the European Parliament. Led by some MEPs from the European People’s Party (EPP) and by the far-right groups, this attack is driven by disinformation.
The attack relies on misleading arguments to artificially manufacture a scandal, amplified by poorly informed media articles. At a time when democratic values are being eroded across the EU and civic actors defending these values are increasingly under threat, this renewed attack on funding for CSOs and their legitimacy in the democratic process risks not only further shrinking civic spaces in Europe but also undermining democracy itself.
Civil society has led efforts to increase transparency
As outlined in our statutes, mission and vision, HEAL operates independently of any political party or funder. Our members serve as our highest decision-making body, guiding HEAL’s work programme and policy priorities.
We receive operating grants through a competitive, thorough and independent evaluation process. Like all recipients, HEAL adheres to strict accountability standards, including monitoring, reporting, and audit practices, ensuring the transparent use of public funds.
In addition, civil society organisations have been at the forefront of advocating greater transparency, including through the EU Transparency Register.
On Tuesday, 9 April, the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) is set to adopt its report on the 2023 discharge to the EU Commission. This committee was the initial platform for insinuations against civil society, with claims that it engages in “subversive actions” and “interferes with the democratic decision-making process”.
HEAL urges members of the European Parliament to stand in support of a strong, independent and vibrant civil society.
Full statement here
Related Posts
