In a climate where public trust in institutions is increasingly fragile, the European Ombudswoman, Teresa Anjinho, has issued a strong call for enhanced transparency within EU institutions. Her appeal comes amid a marked rise in complaints, particularly concerning delays and denials in access to documents, with the European Commission frequently cited as a focal point for these grievances. Since assuming office in February 2025, Anjinho has emphasized the necessity for EU bodies to adopt a more proactive and open approach, underscoring transparency as a cornerstone of democratic accountability and citizen participation.
Rising Complaints Highlight Transparency Concerns
The Ombudswoman’s latest annual report reveals that transparency-related issues constitute the largest share of complaints received by her office.
“You can see that we had one of the biggest increases in complaints in the area of transparency. 42.2% of complaints are in the area of transparency, essentially access to documents,”
Anjinho explained in an interview with Euronews. This surge signals growing public frustration with the opacity of EU decision-making processes and the frequent delays in providing requested information.
Anjinho specifically pointed to the European Commission as an institution where
“more can be done, especially at the European Commission, because there are successive delays in the delivery of documents. Access to information, which is often delayed, is then denied”.
Such practices undermine the EU’s commitment to openness and hinder citizens’ ability to hold their institutions accountable.
The Ombudswoman’s Role as a Guardian of European Citizenship
Teresa Anjinho has framed her office’s mission beyond mere administrative oversight. She stated emphatically,
“We are not mere administrative watchdogs. We are and must be a guardian of European citizenship and the citizen’s right to participate”.
This perspective highlights the Ombudswoman’s dual role as both an intermediary and advocate, bridging the gap between EU institutions and the public they serve.
The Ombudswoman’s office operates as an independent institution, tasked with investigating complaints about maladministration within EU bodies and promoting good governance. Anjinho emphasized that her office is
“in the middle and what we serve is good European administration”,
reinforcing the importance of transparency as a prerequisite for effective and legitimate governance.
Inquiry into European Commission’s Transparency Practices
In line with her call for greater openness, the Ombudswoman has launched an own-initiative inquiry into how the European Commission applies rules designed to ensure transparency and stakeholder participation. This inquiry reflects growing concerns that the Commission’s practices may fall short of the standards expected under EU law and the Better Regulation Guidelines.
The inquiry aims to scrutinize whether the Commission adequately informs stakeholders and the public about its decision-making processes, particularly in relation to access to documents and the conduct of public consultations. The Ombudswoman’s intervention signals a readiness to hold the Commission accountable and push for systemic improvements.
Challenges in Legislative Transparency: The Omnibus I Package Case
Transparency concerns are not limited to access to documents but also extend to how legislative proposals are prepared and communicated. A notable example is the complaint filed with the Ombudsman in April 2025 regarding the European Commission’s preparation of the 2025 proposal to amend the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) as part of the Omnibus I package.
The complaint alleges serious maladministration, including the failure to conduct an impact assessment, insufficient stakeholder consultation, and a rushed inter-service consultation process. Civil society organizations raised concerns about the lack of transparency and democratic legitimacy in the legislative process, emphasizing that the Commission did not adequately consult the public or provide clear information about the scope and implications of the proposal.
The Commission’s response to these allegations was criticized as insufficient. The Ombudswoman’s office is expected to examine whether the Commission adhered to its obligations under the Better Regulation Guidelines and EU treaties, which require transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and meaningful public participation.
Transparency Register and Institutional Efforts
Beyond complaints and inquiries, the EU has institutional mechanisms aimed at enhancing transparency, such as the Transparency Register, which tracks lobbying activities and financial disclosures related to EU institutions. The Secretariat managing the Transparency Register has set ambitious priorities for 2025, including improving data quality, increasing the register’s visibility, and integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to streamline monitoring.
These efforts align with recommendations from the European Court of Auditors and the European Ombudsman, reflecting a broader institutional commitment to transparency. However, challenges remain in ensuring that all actors comply with registration requirements and that the information provided is accurate and accessible.
The Importance of Transparency for Democratic Accountability
Transparency is fundamental to democratic governance, enabling citizens to understand, scrutinize, and influence the actions of their representatives. The European Ombudswoman has repeatedly highlighted that opacity in EU institutions undermines public trust and weakens democratic legitimacy.
The European Parliament has supported the Ombudsman’s role in promoting transparency. In 2018, MEPs overwhelmingly approved a report commending the Ombudsman for making the EU legislative process more transparent and holding governments accountable. Despite progress, the Council of the EU remains criticized for its relative secrecy, prompting the Ombudsman to launch public consultations aimed at improving transparency in its law-making processes).
Calls for a Proactive Transparency Culture
Teresa Anjinho’s call is not merely for compliance with legal obligations but for a cultural shift within EU institutions toward proactive transparency. She advocates for institutions to anticipate information needs, reduce delays, and engage citizens early and meaningfully in policy development.
Such a culture would help prevent complaints, foster trust, and enhance the quality of EU governance. As Anjinho put it, “More can be done”, signaling that transparency is an ongoing challenge requiring sustained attention and commitment.
The European Ombudswoman’s urgent appeal for improved transparency across EU institutions comes at a critical moment. With transparency-related complaints constituting over 40% of all grievances received by her office, it is clear that citizens demand greater openness and accountability.
The Ombudswoman’s role as a guardian of European citizenship underscores the democratic imperative behind transparency reforms. Through inquiries, public consultations, and advocacy, her office seeks to ensure that EU institutions uphold the principles of good administration and respect citizens’ rights to information and participation.
As the EU prepares for upcoming institutional reviews and legislative initiatives, the call to embed transparency at the heart of its operations remains more relevant than ever. The challenge now lies in translating these calls into concrete actions that restore public trust and strengthen democratic governance in Europe.
