US Excludes French Groups from Grant Program for MAGA-Aligned Organizations in Europe
World
The United States has excluded French organizations from a grant program for European groups promoting the priorities of the Donald Trump administration. The decision reflects Washington’s concerns about facing accusations of interference in France’s upcoming presidential election.
Reuters, citing two sources, reported that the decision had already been conveyed to French authorities. The US State Department said applications for the programme were still under consideration and declined to comment on diplomatic discussions.
The programme offers grants ranging from $1 million to $3 million to organizations working to “strengthen and develop democratic resilience, the rule of law, freedom of speech and the press, and the protection of human rights in Europe.” Other areas include national sovereignty, migration, censorship and issues related to the use of law in political disputes.
According to one source, US officials were particularly concerned about a possible conflict between US-funded projects and a French bill that would increase penalties for online disinformation and foreign interference in democratic processes.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot previously warned that France would not tolerate outside interference in its elections.
A US State Department representative declined to comment to Reuters on the terms governing the grants. France’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to the agency’s request for comment.
The programme offers grants ranging from $1 million to $3 million to organizations working to “strengthen and develop democratic resilience, the rule of law, freedom of speech and the press, and the protection of human rights in Europe.” Other areas include national sovereignty, migration, censorship and issues related to the use of law in political disputes.
According to one source, US officials were particularly concerned about a possible conflict between US-funded projects and a French bill that would increase penalties for online disinformation and foreign interference in democratic processes.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot previously warned that France would not tolerate outside interference in its elections.
A US State Department representative declined to comment to Reuters on the terms governing the grants. France’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to the agency’s request for comment.
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