Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000529/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sander Smit (PPE), Alexander Bernhuber (PPE)
Recent reports have revealed that non-governmental organisations, funded and instructed by the Commission, have engaged in lobbying activities targeting Members of the European Parliament[1]. Such practices, combined with previous incidents – involving lobbying[2], selective information sharing[3], intimidation[4] and targeted campaigns directed at EU citizens in strategic Member States[5] – raise serious concerns about the separation of powers, institutional balance, transparency, potential Treaty violations[6] and the adequacy of internal codes of conduct[7] as well as impartiality of staff[8]. These developments fuel public distrust in the Commission – in particular in its efforts to combat political interference and disinformation.
- 1.Will the Commission disclose a full breakdown of expenditures related to legislative proposals and promotional activities, both before and after adoption, including those channelled through third parties?
- 2.Does the Commission acknowledge that its actions may not only be ‘inappropriate’[9] but could also constitute a violation of the trias politica, EU Treaties and codes of conduct and commit to an independent investigation?
- 3.Is the Commission considering updating the codes of conduct or introducing an oath of impartiality for all Commission staff or other measures to restore public trust?
Supporter[10]
Submitted: 5.2.2025
- [1] Telegraaf. (22 January 2025). Lobbyschandaal in Brussel: EU betaalde milieuclubs in het geheim voor promotie van groene plannen Timmermans.
- [2] Telegraaf. (7 June 2023). Europarlementariërs woest om lobby natuurplan Frans Timmermans: Riekt naar manipulatie.
- [3] EPP Group. (18 October 2021). Timmermans, stop hiding information about Farm to Fork Strategy!
- [4] Brusselse Nieuwe. (8 June 2023). Christendemocraten (EVP): ‘Timmermans bedreigt en chanteert Europarlementariërs’.
- [5] noyb. (16 November 2023). noyb files complaint against EU Commission over targeted chat control ads.
- [6] Article 17 Treaty on European Union, Article 245 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
- [7] European Commission. (2018). Code of conduct for the Members of the European Commission.
- [8] European Union. (2016). Staff regulations of officials of the European Union and conditions of employment of other servants of the European Union.
- [9] European Parliament (2025). Verbatim report of proceedings 22 January 2025 – Strasbourg.
- [10] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Jessika Van Leeuwen (PPE)