The European Taxpayers’ Association (TAE) is filing a criminal complaint against members of the European Commission for the period 2019–2024

TAE calls for a transparent and thorough criminal investigation into the allocation of EU funds

On 23 July 2025, the European Taxpayers’ Association (TAE) filed a criminal complaint and a request for prosecution with the Munich Public Prosecutor’s Office against the two former members of the European Commission: Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Climate Action from 2019 to 2023, and Virginius Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment and Oceans in the Commission from 2019 to 2024. As a precautionary measure, the criminal complaint and the application for prosecution also extend to all other individuals who are also under investigation as part of the proceedings. At the same time as the complaint was filed in Munich, a criminal complaint was submitted to the EU Public Prosecutor’s Office in Luxembourg.

Why is the European Taxpayers’ Association taking this drastic step? According to President Michael Jäger, the aim is a comprehensive review of the allocation of funds by the former EU Commission under Ursula von der Leyen. According to media reports, there are allegations that the former Commission funded non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with substantial sums without transparently disclosing these decisions or providing sufficient justification. Reports suggest there was even lobbying within the European Commission against the Commission’s own interests, such as the Mercosur agreement. The paid influence on the European Parliament apparently went so far as to include certain provisions in EU legislation or to lobby a specific number of MEPs.

According to the European Taxpayers’ Association, there is a suspicion that payments were made unlawfully. We therefore call on the public prosecutor’s office to investigate whether applicable law and the EU principles of transparency and the separation of powers have been breached. Should funds have been transferred without adequate oversight or the involvement of other EU institutions, this would constitute an unacceptable breach of applicable law.

From a democratic perspective, it would be a highly unusual course of action if parts of the executive (the Commission) had attempted to influence other parts, in particular the European Parliament (the legislature) – the only directly elected EU institution.

The Taxpayers’ Association is not alone in its criticism. Resistance is also emerging from Austria. At the same time as the TAE’s complaint, a separate criminal complaint was filed in Austria to ensure a legal investigation into the allegations that have come to light.

The criminal complaint filed by the European Taxpayers’ Organisation is being submitted and supported by lawyer Dr Richard BEYER, who is also the scientific director of the European Institute for Public Finance (EIPF).

For the Taxpayers’ Association, it is important to make it clear that the criticism is not directed against the funding of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). That is not the issue, says Jäger. It is and remains legitimate to demand that the allocation of public funds – whether from EU or national sources – be carried out in accordance with clear and transparent rules, and that checks be carried out to ensure these funds have been used for their intended purpose.

According to Michael Jäger, it is completely unacceptable for EU funds to be used in a manner contrary to the EU’s objectives. We therefore expressly welcome the clear position and statement of the European Court of Auditors in its Special Report 11/2025 ‘Transparency of EU funding for non-governmental organisations’.

The European Commission’s announcement that it will ensure greater transparency and accountability in the allocation of EU funds and establish clear guidelines and rules for cooperation with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is a step in the right direction. This will ensure that EU funds are used for their intended purpose and do not contravene EU values.

Also part of the process of coming to terms with the past, and what the Taxpayers’ Association is calling for, is a comprehensive legal review of the allegations made in the past and which have become public.

Jäger explained that we are also concerned with clarifying the general criminal liability of Commission officials regarding EU budget funds. There must be no legal vacuum, as all Europeans are equal before the law.

Download the full press release from TAE.

Brussels/Munich, 25 July 2025,
Rudolf G. Maier, Press Officer