Ombudsman opens investigation to promote transparency of ‘trilogues’

The European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, opened an investigation in May 2015 into the transparency of 'trilogues' with a view to boosting transparent law-making in the EU. Trilogues are informal negotiations between the European Parliament (EP), the Council and the Commission aimed at reaching early agreements on new EU legislation.

The Ombudsman asked the three institutions for information about their disclosure policies on trilogue documents, including details of meetings, documents relating to ongoing trilogues, minutes or notes drawn up after such meetings, as well as lists of participants. She expected a reply by 30 September 2015. In order to get a full overview of the documents exchanged during trilogue negotiations, the Ombudsman will inspect the same two trilogue files in each of the three institutions. The files she has chosen are those concerning the Clinical Trials Regulation and the Mortgage Credit Directive.

ESO: Background information: Secretive 'trialogue' talks to agree EU law face investigation http://www.europeansources.info/record/secretive-trialogue-talks-to-agree-eu-law-face-investigation/

EUObserver, 28.05.15: Ombudsman takes aim at secret EU law-making https://euobserver.com/institutional/128868

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