As part of their investigation, which began in May, into the drafting of the first ‘omnibus’ simplification directive, the European Ombudsman, Teresa Anjinho, asked the European Commission for additional information on Tuesday 15 July. She has asked the institution to explain why it has not carried out an impact assessment, a public consultation, or an assessment of climate consistency. She is also concerned that the internal consultation only lasted 24 hours.
In addition, the European Commission is invited to explain the urgent nature of the legislative proposal, which has so far been used as a reason for not carrying out impact assessments and consultations.
Questioned by the press on this subject on Tuesday 15 July, the European Commission’s deputy chief spokesperson, Arianna Podestà, explained that the Commission had acted “quickly to avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs” as certain provisions of the directive on corporate sustainability – amended by the ‘omnibus’ – were about to come into force.
In her view, the urgency of the various ‘omnibus’ texts has been widely recognised by the Member States and the European Parliament in recent months. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)