Parliamentary question - O-000009/2011Parliamentary question
O-000009/2011

  Revision of framework for Commission expert groups and balanced representation and transparency

Question for oral answer O-000009/2011
to the Commission
Rule 115
Cornelis de Jong
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
Michael Cashman
on behalf of the S&D Group
Pascal Canfin
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
Monica Luisa Macovei, Corinne Lepage

Procedure : 2011/2537(RSP)
Document stages in plenary
Document selected :  
O-000009/2011
Texts tabled :
O-000009/2011 (B7-0010/2011)
Votes :
Texts adopted :

Recently, the Commission has revised its framework governing Commission expert groups (SEC(2010)1360) and (C(2010)7649).

Article 9 of TEU states that 'the Union shall observe the principle of the equality of its citizens, who shall receive equal attention from its institutions, bodies, offices and agencies', and the European Ombudsman's European Code of Administrative Behaviour states that 'when taking decisions, the official shall respect the fair balance between the interests of private persons and the general public interest'. Currently, a large number of expert groups have a biased composition in favour of the interests of big businesses.

1.  In the revised version of the framework, no measures are taken to strive for more balanced expert groups by taking measures to enhance SME or civil society participation in expert groups. Does the Commission not agree that this suggests that getting balanced advice is not obligatory? If this is not the case, can it explain why not?

2.  The selection of experts by the Commission 'shall be carried out in such a way as to avoid any conflicts of interest'. DG Sanco's guidelines to deal with conflicts of interest state that 'the simplest way to handle conflicts of interest is to avoid them altogether. For example, someone who is known to work for an organisation with a "vested interest" on a particular policy issue and is appointed adviser, should simply not be appointed'. Why has the Commission not adopted this excellent rule for all DGs?

3.  Transparency is a core principle for the institutions in EU decision-making, under Articles 1 and 11 of TEU, in addition to Article 15 of TFEU giving the public the right of access to documents. Will the Commission, in this regard, set up a user-friendly website on which all public calls for applications will be published, all existing expert groups with their full membership attached, as well as all minutes made available to the public? If so, how will this be done and within what time span? If not, can the Commission explain why not?

4.  Why has the Commission not consulted Parliament before taking its final decisions on the revision of the framework, since transparency has become an issue of common concern to both the Commission and Parliament? Is the Commission willing to do so?

Tabled: 14.1.2011

Forwarded: 18.1.2011

Deadline for reply: 25.1.2011