Ombudsman to investigate trilogues

The European Ombudsman is to launch an investigation over the lack of transparency in “trilogue” negotiations—which are carried out between the three major European institutions to reach a compromise in passing EU law.

In an interview with the European news website Euractiv, ombudsman Emily O’Reilly said there were concerns over the opacity of the decision-making process when deals on proposed EU legislation are agreed upon. The negotiations are carried out between the European Commission, Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. Both the Parliament and Council must agree on the same draft legislation before it can be voted into law.

“There are no minutes that come out afterwards,” O’Reilly told EurActiv. “It’s never quite clear when the meetings are on or how the decision making is carried out.”