Universities and NGOs question make-up of advisory groups

University groups and transparency organisations have raised concerns about the composition of the European Commission’s advisory groups, and the criteria used to select their members.

Last May, the European ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, opened an investigation into the composition and transparency of the Commission’s advisory groups, on which it relies heavily to draw up legislation and policy, in areas such as pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and nanomaterials. The first step of her investigation consisted of a public consultation, responses from which were released on 24 April.

According to the Germany-based Transparency International group, the selection criteria for the members of these groups should be “more concise and measurable”.