MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Lack of parliamentary oversight over the EU agri-food chain Observatory – E-001039/2025

Question for written answer  E-001039/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jessika Van Leeuwen (PPE)

We understand that the Commission accepts recommendations directly from the European agri-food chain Observatory (AFCO) without prior consultation with Parliament. This raises questions about the democratic legitimacy of the Observatory’s influence on EU agricultural and food policy. Moreover, the selection process for the Observatory’s 80 members appears to have been conducted without any input from Parliament, despite the Observatory’s significant impact on policy discussions.

In light of the above:

• 1.Why does the Commission accept recommendations from the European agri-food chain Observatory without prior consultation with Parliament, thereby bypassing democratic scrutiny?
• 2.Why was Parliament not involved in the selection process for the 80 European agri-food chain Observatory members, despite its role as a directly elected body representing EU citizens?
• 3.How does the Commission intend to ensure that Parliament has a greater say in future decisions regarding the European agri-food chain Observatory’s structure, recommendations and policy influence?

Supporters[1]

Submitted: 10.3.2025

• [1] This question is supported by Members other than the author: Maria Walsh (PPE), Esther Herranz García (PPE)