PARIS — France is advocating for enhanced scrutiny regarding the distribution of EU grants as part of its efforts to combat antisemitism, hate speech, and the financing of organizations that undermine shared European values.
During a recent address, France’s Europe Minister, Benjamin Haddad, stated that he intends to request that Brussels “reinforce the checks” on EU funding to ensure that financial support does not extend to entities associated with antisemitism or Islamism. He emphasized, “It’s unthinkable and unacceptable that a single euro of European public money should finance organizations, associations and actors that are hostile to our values, linked to hatred, antisemitism or even Islamism.”
Proposal for increased scrutiny
France plans to present a formal proposal for discussion among the foreign ministers of EU member states at the upcoming General Affairs Council on May 27. This proposal, which has been reviewed by various stakeholders, highlights the urgent need for the EU to “increase its efforts” in response to a concerning rise in hate speech and hate crimes. This uptick has been particularly noted in the context of the recent conflict following Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which have escalated tensions in the region.
According to reports, Israel’s military operations have resulted in significant casualties, with more than 52,000 people reportedly killed in the Gaza Strip. This response comes after Hamas’ initial attacks that claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 individuals in Israel.
Stricter guidelines on EU funding
France’s renewed focus on the oversight of EU funding aligns with previous concerns regarding the allocation of grants that conflict with France’s secular principles. A source familiar with the proposal pointed out instances where EU funds have allegedly supported campaigns that do not adhere to France’s secularism, a core tenet entrenched in the nation’s constitution.
Notably, in 2021, the Council of Europe human rights organization faced backlash over its European Commission-funded anti-discrimination campaign, which featured the controversial slogan “freedom is in hijab.” Furthermore, French authorities are seeking to reevaluate grants awarded to the Islamic University of Gaziantep in Turkey due to homophobic and anti-atheist remarks made by its officials.
The French proposal outlines various strategies to tighten the EU grant system, including the suspension of funding for recipients that fail to uphold the values defined by European treaties, more stringent checks on grant applications, and the formulation of recommendations for grants administered through EU-funded agencies or programs like Erasmus+.
France’s initiative to impose stricter regulations on EU grants has garnered support from Austria, amidst growing concerns from European NGOs over potential funding reductions in light of a push from conservative lawmakers for enhanced oversight of civil society lobbying efforts.