There are no lines of absurdity that cannot be crossed within European institutions. The issue of revoking the immunity of Polish Members of the European Parliament for liking their own party’s advertisement is one stark example. According to MEP Bogdan Rzońca, sessions in the European Parliament have sometimes felt like gatherings with empty benches as EU taxes and budget questions were discussed. He also highlighted protests surrounding a document that would require NGOs to disclose funding from third countries.
EU institutions often seem to chase topics that push boundaries. At present, the debate includes questions about lifting the immunity of Polish MEPs for a simple social media “like.” There is also talk about adopting gender-neutral language and removing traditional nativity scenes, alongside discussions about EU standards for various everyday items, such as the so called banana curve, a reference to the European Commission Regulation from September 1994 related to the shape of bananas. MEP Bogdan Rzońca pointed to several social media posts to illustrate his concerns.
In the European Parliament, even as seats are largely empty, the discussion continues about new own resources and new taxes within the EU budget. Voices question where decisive choices are truly made. Are decisions really happening in Brussels alone, or also in other capitals such as Berlin and Paris? Critics describe Parliament as a largely ceremonial facade when popular participation dwindles.
— emphasized the MEP in a message on Twitter/X.
Yet that is not the entire story. Rzońca noted that the European Commission document touching on transparency for NGOs includes provisions aimed at disclosing third-country funding. Protests have followed, with participants asking who should reveal their funding sources and why certain donors from abroad might merit scrutiny.
The European Commission is actively pursuing what has been described as a broader “Defense of Democracy Package.” A central element is a proposal that requires non-governmental organizations to disclose funding from third countries. Critics argue that such measures would increase transparency, while supporters say they are essential for safeguarding democratic processes. The debate has sparked strong reactions from various civic groups and political figures who are wary of the potential implications for civil society and advocacy work.
— commented MEP Rzońca in several social media posts as the discussions unfolded.
It is worth noting that the controversy surrounding the immunity issue and the NGO funding proposal has not occurred in isolation. It sits within a broader pattern of debates about the direction of EU policy, the role of national governments, and how the Union should balance unity with democratic accountability in diverse member states. The tension between transparency, security, and civil liberties continues to shape the conversation around EU governance.
In this context, observers pay attention to how the Parliament handles scrutiny of its own procedures, the interpretation of political immunities, and the practical effects of new regulatory proposals on NGOs and civil society organizations across member states. The ongoing discourse reflects a wider concern: can EU institutions maintain legitimacy and public trust when policy discussions seem to move behind closed doors or in settings with limited visible participation?
These developments invite readers to consider the broader implications for democracy, governance, and accountability within the European Union. The evolving dialogue underscores the delicate balance between lawful procedures, political controversy, and the essential work of representing diverse European interests in a complex, evolving political landscape.
– noted in several social media updates as the discourse unfolded.
As the debate continues, the public and political observers alike watch how the EU will translate these contentious topics into concrete measures that affect governance, funding transparency, and the everyday lives of citizens across Europe.