Ms Ursula von der Leyen President European Commission

 

Dear President,

I have received a complaint, from Pesticides Action Network Europe, against the European Commission concerning its practice to invite only industry representatives to certain workshops on pesticides.

The complaint concerns the workshop co-organised by the Commission, in December 2023, on Zonal Authorisation Procedure Improvements and Developments. In particular, the complainant takes issue with the fact that only industry was invited to take part in the workshop. It considers that this allowed industry to promote its interests. The complainant also express concerns about the lack of transparency of the workshop.

I have decided that it is necessary for my inquiry team to meet with the relevant representatives of the Commission to receive additional information on this matter. My Office will provide the Commission with detailed questions in due course.

I would be grateful if your office could contact Mr Vieri Biondi, who is in charge of this inquiry, to agree the arrangements for the meeting to take place before 24 September 2024.

Yours sincerely, 

Emily O'Reilly
European Ombudsman

Strasbourg, 08/08/2024