Transparency will rise on EU agenda

Speaking at the opening of the European Economic and Social Committee’s May 14 plenary session, the European Ombudsman Mr. Nikiforos Diamandouros highlighted the growing importance of transparency and openness in enhancing the legitimacy of the European Union – cfr. CEPLIS Telegram 06/09 and 11/09.

“Improving transparency is one of the most effective ways to increase trust in the Union and its administration”, the Ombudsman told the EESC. In the run-up to European elections, he said he has witnessed a heightened “sensitivity concerning citizens’ perceptions of the Union’s transparency of procedures and operations”. Looking to the future, he predicted transparency is “likely to acquire increasing weight and significance at the policy making level of the EU in the years to come“.