The European Commission should be clearer about which contacts it has with the tobacco lobby. For example, minutes aren’t always made up of conversations. According to European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly, the commission is guilty of “maladministration”. He wants text and explanations within three months.
The day-to-day administration of the European Union hasn’t progressed since 2016, O’Reilly notes. At the time, the ombudsman also issued a strong judgment on how to deal with tobacco industry lobbyists. At the time, he requested that he be taken as a case by the Department of Public Health. All of this brings up meetings with tobacco industry representatives, including junior officials.
No minutes
But this did not happen in 2020 and 2021 at the tax and trade departments, among others. Minutes of some conversations were not taken and it was neglected to verify whether the contact was really necessary.
For example, citizens cannot be sure that the Commission will reject attacks on Europe’s anti-smoking policy, says O’Reilly. You point out that the committee has signed a treaty obliging them to maintain as little contact as possible with the tobacco lobby and, if that happens, at least to be open about it.
Qatar
The ombudsman, who cannot impose sanctions but has great authority, wants a response from the commission in mid-July.
Excessive lobbying has once again received wide scrutiny in Brussels following revelations of corruption of parliamentarians by Qatar and Morocco and paid travel of senior officials by others.
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
