MEPs threaten to block commission funding over transparency

EUObserver reported that Members of the European Parliament threatened to block €2 million in EU funding for Expert Groups unless the European Commission guaranteed more transparency.

The Expert Groups, selected by the Commission, act as inside advisors to help it draw up EU legislative proposals and policy initiatives. But how they are selected and the interests they represent have drawn wide-spread criticism from pro-transparency groups and some MEPs.

EUObserver reported subsequently that MEPs in the Budget Committee unblocked the €2 million in funding for European Commission expert groups on the 20 September 2012 after the executive agreed to implement new transparency rules.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Register of Expert Groups http://www.europeansources.info/record/website-register-of-expert-groups-and-other-similar-entities/

ESO: Background information: Barnier to end domination of bank lobby in EU advisory groups http://www.europeansources.info/record/barnier-to-end-domination-of-bank-lobby-in-eu-advisory-groups/

ESO: Background information: NGO: 'Reform EU financial expert groups' http://www.europeansources.info/record/ngo-reform-eu-financial-expert-groups/

EUObserver, 22.9.12: MEPs unblock funds for EU expert groups http://euobserver.com/institutional/117633

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