About: transparency
Governments must increase transparency on lobbying, says anti-corruption group
EU governments must increase their transparency and accountability on lobbying, said the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) of the Council of Europe in an annual report published on Thursday (2 June).
Austria to combat deep fakes amid increasing use of the technology
The Austrian government published an action plan to fight deep fakes on Wednesday (25 May), aiming at better tackling disinformation and hate speech. On the EU level, several legislative texts also seek to address the growing issue.
Several transparency issues during COVID could have been avoided, says EU watchdog
The EU response to COVID-19 has been a balancing act between being fast and being transparent. While issues still remain, European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly tells EURACTIV about the issues she has looked into and what to consider for next time.
Health brief: Transparency in COVID contracts
The EU response to the COVID-19 pandemic had to happen fast, but critics quickly highlighted the lack of transparency - especially with the vaccine contracts. These critics are not done fighting.
Crypto community mobilises against MEPs’ transfer transparency rules
EU lawmakers have been spammed with hundreds of emails from the crypto community attempting to influence a key committee vote on Thursday (31 March) regarding the information requirements on the transfers of cryptocurrencies. The legislation is a recast of the...
EU investment transparency platform leaves anti-graft watchers wanting
The European Commission has presented a new online tool that gives citizens an overview of big structural investment projects backed by the EU, as the next big step in Brussels’ transparency efforts.
EU watchdog cautions Commission over fairness, transparency of CAP reform
The EU Ombudsman has written to the Commission to query how it will ensure transparency and a balanced representation of interests during the implementation of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) reform. Stressing that agriculture is a crucial sector for reducing...
Commission to extend flexibility of EU aid as disparities persist
The European Commission will extend looser rules introduced at the onset of the pandemic for EU structural funds spending in an effort to help reduce disparities across the bloc, regional policy Commissioner Elisa Ferreira announced on Thursday (10 February).
EU watchdog accuses Commission of maladministration over texts to Pfizer CEO
The European Commission's denial of access to text messages between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla amounts to ‘maladministration’, the EU Ombudsman found.
Commission dismisses calls for more transparency in drafting CAP plans
The European Commission has dismissed calls for more transparency in the drafting of the Common Agricultural Policy strategic plans, saying an excessive focus on this risks overburdening the process and missing the big picture.
Media sector eyes opportunity to rebalance relations with online platforms
From advertising revenue to content moderation, the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) is set to shape a number of areas in which media industry actors have been calling for change, particularly in their relation to online platforms.
Facebook fears regulators’ competing demands for privacy, transparency
Facebook is in favour of more regulation but is concerned that platforms could be forced in "diametrically opposed directions" in terms of privacy and transparency requirements, Nick Clegg, the platform's vice president for global affairs, has said. EURACTIV France reports.
NGOs call for stricter reporting requirements for European companies
By the end of March, the European Commission wants to present a revised version of the so-called non-financial reporting directive (NFRD). A coalition of European NGOs is calling for greater transparency and stricter reporting requirements for companies in sustainability matters. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Google challenges French data watchdog’s €100 million fine in court
France's administrative court known as the Council of State considered on Thursday an application for interim measures filed by Google LLC and Google Ireland after the French Data Protection Authority known as the CNIL fined the digital giant €100 million last December for its cookie collection policy. EURACTIV France was at the hearing.
MEPs get glimpse of first COVID contract amid calls for more transparency
MEPs will, for the first time, be privy to the details of the first of the COVID vaccine contracts this week, although say that more must be done to achieve the level of transparency needed to improve trust and negate a rising ‘vaccine nationalism’.
German EU Presidency: Influenced by lobbyists?
Large lobbying associations have a strong influence on the German government and there are concerns that this might impact its EU Council presidency, which starts on 1 July, warned a study conducted by NGOs LobbyControl and Corporate Europe Observatory. EURACTIV Germany reports.
German EU Presidency: MEPs warn Merkel of company lobbying
An alliance of MEPs is calling on Germany to tighten the rules on transparency and lobbying when it takes over the EU Council Presidency in July. Germany should follow Finland's example and report what happens at the Council meetings, the MEPs say. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Commission kept no records on Davos meeting between von der Leyen and Palantir CEO
No detailed records exist concerning a January meeting between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the CEO of controversial US data analytics firm Palantir, the EU executive has said in response to a EURACTIV query.
Germany wants to fine Facebook over hate speech reporting
Social media platforms in Germany are obliged to report hate speech and other illegal content. Germany's Federal Office of Justice is expected to slap a €2 million fine on Facebook for reporting only a fraction of such activity on its platform. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Germany’s cyber defence strategy discussed behind closed doors
Germany is currently preparing a new cyber defence strategy. An internal concept paper of the German government foresees the use of so-called hack-backs and changes to the German Basic Law. But the change is happening and the general public is being excluded from the discussions, experts criticise. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU anti-tax fraud quest goes up a notch
The EU's anti-tax fraud programme, Fiscalis, got a shot in the arm from MEPs on Wednesday (17 April), when the European Parliament approved a revised version with a bigger budget. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Coca-Cola’s EU Council sponsorship raises eyebrows
NGO Foodwatch has taken exception to Coca-Cola’s sponsorship of the Romanian Presidency of the EU Council. Bucarest says everything has been done transparently and in line with legal criteria. EURACTIV France reports.
Meetings between MEPs and lobbyists to be made public
A revision of the European Parliament’s rules of procedure, which was adopted on 31 January, increases transparency obligations for meetings between elected officials and lobbies, despite the EPP’s attempts to scupper the amendment. EURACTIV France reports.