Ombudsman: How to make the Commission’s expert groups more balanced and transparent

The European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, made proposals to the European Commission on how to make its expert groups more balanced and transparent in January 2015. The Commission oversaw hundreds of such advisory groups which play a crucial role in the development of EU legislation and policy. The Ombudsman called on the Commission to establish a legally binding framework for all expert groups, including a definition of what balanced representation in different groups should look like. She also recommends measures to reduce potential conflict of interest situations and to publish more information about the work of the groups. The Commission should reply to her proposals by 30 April 2015.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: MEPs withhold millions from EU commission over transparency http://www.europeansources.info/record/meps-withhold-millions-from-eu-commission-over-transparency/

EUObserver, 30.01.15: Top official demands transparency on EU expert groups https://euobserver.com/justice/127440

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