Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001366/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Irena Joveva (Renew), Rima Hassan (The Left), Alex Agius Saliba (S&D), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Catarina Martins (The Left), Hana Jalloul Muro (S&D), Carla Tavares (S&D), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE), Bruno Gonçalves (S&D), Jaume Asens Llodrà (Verts/ALE), Nikos Pappas (The Left), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Marit Maij (S&D), Per Clausen (The Left), João Oliveira (The Left), Damien Carême (The Left)
We have become aware of deeply concerning reports that EU institution staff members are facing or risking disciplinary procedures, as well as other measures, for publicly or professionally expressing their opinions on certain current affairs topics (such as the ongoing genocide in Gaza) that do not align with the official position of the institutions’ leadership. The right to freedom of expression should always be secured, even in the workplace. This was confirmed, among other instances, in the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 5 February 2020 on Application No 11608/15.
Even more concerning are reports that EU staff members risk discrimination or disciplinary measures for invoking conscientious objection when dealing with official business or instructions from management on similar topics that conflict with their beliefs, values and human dignity.
We therefore ask the Commission:
- 1.Have any disciplinary measures been taken against any staff members in this regard?
- 2.How does the Commission ensure an environment where freedom of speech is protected and guaranteed, regardless of the Commission’s and the EU leadership’s official stance?
- 3.What mechanisms are in place to ensure that staff can, irrespective of the type of contract they have, express conscientious objection without facing discrimination or disciplinary procedures of any kind in their workplace?
Submitted: 2.4.2025