EU does deals with lobbyists

The British think tank International Policy Network (IPN) has revealed that the Brussels offices of the ten largest environmental associations receive annual EU subsidies amounting to 8.7 million euros. The daily Maaseudun Tulevaisuus agrees in part with IPN environment programme director Caroline Boin's criticism of such practices: "Notwithstanding all the pretty words about EU democracy, Brussels is a true snake's nest of lobbyists. Entire industrial sectors and big business maintain powerful offices there to keep a close eye on decision makers. In general it is important that NGOs should be on location to bring across their points of view. Yet it is entirely legitimate to ask whose lobby work is financed by EU funds. The question is particularly significant for those unable to push their own interests in Brussels. For the most part NGOs are firmly critical of EU policy. By giving its critics' financial support, the EU selects its court jesters, finances and tames them at the same time."

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