Statement on NGO funding and the role of civil society in policy-making

Press Release Date: April 7, 2025

Location:

Contact:

Natividad Sánchez | email: nsanchez@oceana.org | tel.: +34 687 598 529

Following the publication of the European Court of Auditors’ Special Report on the Transparency of NGO Funding, Oceana issued the following statement:

– The European Court of Auditors (ECA) did not find a single instance of wrongdoing by NGOs. 

– The participation of civil society in EU policymaking is essential to counterbalance the overwhelming power of corporate lobbies, and is a fundamental element of democracy. 

– Oceana strongly supports the ECA’s calls for increased transparency and accountability. We are registered in the European Union’s Transparency Register, and urge all EU institutions to make this a requirement for all interest representatives, including those that lobby on behalf of private and corporate interests.  

– Oceana regrets the fabrication of imaginary ‘scandals’, driven by ideological or business interests. The ideological nature of the defamatory campaign against NGOs shows that the intent is not to protect the EU budget from misuse, but rather to silence the voices that defend the interests of people and the planet. 

– As a recipient of public funding, Oceana’s financials are audited annually by an external auditor and can be consulted on our website. As a recipient of a LIFE Operating Grant, Oceana’s accounts as well as our activities, outputs and impact are reviewed in detail by monitors hired by the European Commission. 

– Oceana remains committed to our mission to protect and restore the ocean. Our team of campaigners, scientists, lawyers, and communicators are winning science-based victories that rebuild ocean abundance and sustain livelihoods. These include the designation of marine protected areas with data from our at-sea expeditions, the rebuilding of fish stocks, and measures to stop illegally caught seafood from entering the EU. 

– Oceana is grateful for the support to civil society organisations expressed by many MEPs in recent months.