The European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs is recommending that the rules governing the funding of European political party foundations be made more flexible in order to make their resources more predictable, in a draft report tabled by Loránt Vincze (EPP, Romanian) and Charles Goerens (Renew Europe, Luxembourger) and approved on Wednesday 6 May by a large majority (40 votes in favour, 6 against, no abstentions).
MEPs are calling on the European Commission to present a legislative proposal to allow the EU budget to cover up to 100% of the eligible costs of foundations, whereas the 2025 legislative review of the statute for European political parties had set this threshold at 95% (see EUROPE 13661/29). They also believe that the annual ceiling of €18,000 per donor could be increased.
In addition, the possibility for a European political foundation to charge participation fees to its members should be clarified, without the contributions collected generating income in excess of the costs incurred.
To reduce the regulatory burden and improve transparency, the committee suggests a single online reporting and disclosure system for EU funding, donations and contributions. It is also calling for higher funding under the EU budget for the period 2028-2034, taking account of inflation and rising operating costs.
The draft report is due to be put to the vote at the European Parliament plenary session in June.
See the draft report: https://aeur.eu/f/luo ; and the compromise amendments: https://aeur.eu/f/LUJ (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)