The European Commission’s monitoring body, Ombudsman, accused the European Commission of violating transparency principles and disregarding sound legislative procedures while preparing a series of “urgent” proposals. She asserted that the way these documents were drafted constituted “mismanagement” and contradicted the rules requiring EU institutions to follow clear procedures before enacting any new legislation.
The monitoring body explained, according to Reuters, that the Commission had submitted several legislative proposals in recent months concerning sensitive issues, including sustainability reports, agricultural policy, and measures to combat migrant smuggling. These proposals were submitted without completing the necessary steps, such as impact assessments or holding public consultations that would allow various stakeholders to express their opinions.
She added that some of these proposals were amended after undisclosed meetings with industry lobbying groups, raising questions about the independence of the legislative process.
She emphasized that expediting procedures does not justify neglecting transparency. She pointed out that the “need for speed” cannot be an excuse to circumvent fundamental rules. These rules ensure that the law is based on clear data and evidence, not on closed-door arrangements.
She stressed that respecting these rules is essential to maintaining citizens’ trust in EU institutions.
In response, the European Commission stated that it would carefully consider the monitoring recommendations. However, it did not directly address the accusations regarding the lack of impact assessments or the limited consultations conducted during the drafting of the legislation. It merely reiterated that its decisions are based on available evidence and “appropriate consultation,” without providing further details.
The case stems from a complaint filed by environmental and human rights organizations. This complaint accused the commission of drafting proposals hastily in a manner that could harm environmental standards and human rights, demanding their withdrawal if they proved incompatible with the principles of “better legislation.”
Analysts believe this dispute deepens the ongoing debate within Europe about the Commission’s commitment to governance and transparency standards. It carries significant political implications ahead of the upcoming European elections, particularly given the growing criticism of the EU’s handling of migration, energy, and environmental issues.
