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By Friends of the Earth Europe

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OVERVIEW

In recent years, the European Commission has increasingly turned to "Expert Groups" for advice on policy making. These groups, set up by the Commission, are usually made up of public officials, academics and non-governmental representatives, often from the business sector. As such, they have attracted criticism over their lack of democratic legitimacy. The European Commission is a central driver of European policy and as such holds considerable power. The input provided by Expert Groups often forms the basis for Commission proposals, many of which are later adopted as legislation. To ensure this power is used in the public interest, the Commission is bound by written principles and minimum standards when consulting interested parties. These state that the Commission must consult those affected or likely to be affected by the policy on an equal basis, taking account of wider impacts, such as environmental impacts and consumer policy.

This report examines the composition and legitimacy of groups set up to advise the European Commission.