Dutch MEP Auke Zijlstra (Patriots for Europe) has submitted a follow-up parliamentary question to the European Commission, pressing for a clear answer on whether the EU executive considers it a priority to finance an NGO whose stated aim includes confronting the rise of populism. The question, filed on 15 April 2026, targets the European Centre for Populism Studies (ECPS) and could affect transparency in EU grant-making and the political neutrality of civil society funding.
Zijlstra's written question (E-001557/2026) follows an earlier exchange (E-000437/2026) in which Commissioner Michael McGrath replied on 15 April. While the MEP accepted answers to two of his three original queries, he argues that the third – whether the Commission considers 'confronting the rise of populism' important enough to fund through an NGO – remains unanswered. He now demands a proper explanation.
the Commission must state its position on funding an organisation with an explicitly political objective. Zijlstra's policy orientation is clear – he challenges the legitimacy of using EU funds to counter political movements he represents, framing it as a matter of impartiality. The question signals a broader cleavage between those who see such funding as defending democratic values and those who view it as partisan interference.
Under Parliament's rules, the Commission typically must reply within six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it considers the ECPS's mission compatible with EU funding rules and may set a precedent for future grants to politically oriented NGOs.
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