Lise Witteman

Lise Witteman, a deputy editor at Follow the Money, and Hans Wetzels, an investigative journalist covering European environmental policies, dive into the European People's Party's contentious campaign against NGOs. They reveal how the EPP has scapegoated these organizations amid its retreat from the Green Deal. The discussion touches on rising populism, the challenges NGOs face in a hostile political landscape, and the importance of diverse voices in environmental policymaking. Their insights shed light on the fragile balance between politics and civic engagement in Europe.

Lise Witteman, deputy editor and founder of Follow the Money's Brussels desk, dives into the explosive Pfizergate scandal involving EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's secret texts with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. They discuss the implications of these texts for democracy and transparency, the controversial vaccine deal during the pandemic, and the European Commission's refusal to release the messages. Uncover unanswered questions about pricing and liability while exploring the ongoing quest for accountability in the EU.