MEPs call for greater transparency in EU environmental decision-making

The Commission must improve its handling of public access to documents requests

Ombudsman should investigate the Commission’s financing of environmental NGOs

Faster and stronger coordination needed to address health and environmental risks posed by PFAS

Better border control to prevent further deaths at sea

On Wednesday, the Petitions Committee called on the Commission to improve public access to documents and increase transparency in environmental decision-making.

The Committee on Petitions adopted its annual report assessing the European Ombudsman’s activities in 2024, with 11 votes in favour, six against and nine abstentions.

More transparency in environmental decision-making

The report calls on the Ombudsman to investigate the Commission’s practice of financing environmental NGOs engaged in lobbying the Parliament and the Commission. MEPs warn that this risks conflicts of interest and undermines the legitimacy of EU decision-making in environmental policies.

MEPs also expressed concern over the Ombudsman’s findings on transparency and accountability in EU environmental decision-making, which revealed breaches of legally binding deadlines for authorising dangerous chemical substances. They stressed the need for faster and stronger coordination with member states to address health and environmental risks posed by so-called "forever chemicals" like PFAS and other hazardous chemicals.

MEPs further urged the Commission to strengthen rules on hazardous substances in pesticides and to consider safe non-chemical alternatives, with strict safeguards against conflicts of interest.

Access to documents

In 2024, the Ombudsman examined the Commission’s systematic delays in granting public access to documents, finding that legal deadlines were missed in 85% of cases, often involving documents of major public interest. MEPs called on the Commission to address these delays, including through digital and less complex procedures.

On Wednesday, the Committee on Petitions adopted its annual report assessing the European Ombudsman’s activities in 2024, with 11 votes in favour, six against and nine abstentions.

Frontex

Referring to the Ombudsman’s inquiry following deaths in the Mediterranean, MEPs said Frontex’s primary role is to protect the EU’s external borders, combat human traffickers and fight illegal migration, adding that a lack of border control contributes to further deaths at sea.

Background

Each year, the Ombudsman reports to Parliament on completed inquiries. In 2024, the main areas of concern were transparency and accountability (42.2%), culture of service (17.3%) and recruitment (14.1%).

In December 2024, Parliament elected Teresa Anjinho as European Ombudsman for a five-year term. She took office on 27 February 2025 following a ceremony at the EU Court of Justice.