Koen Roovers

Keen on all things transparency. Inquiries officer @EUombudsman.

[European Ombudsman @EUombudsman]

We have decided to suspend the use of our X account.

You can find us on the following social media platforms 👇

🦋 Bluesky: https://t.co/aPFS9JRdTO
💼 LinkedIn: https://t.co/dKIk3wVbhg
🧵 Threads: https://t.co/49sgTifHOH
📷 Instagram: https://t.co/h2HYUernZp

[European Ombudsman @EUombudsman]

Following our inquiry into how @EU_Commission manages staff business trips, we propose that third party contributions to such trips are recorded when the initial trip request is made.

https://t.co/A1xhXbFWyv

[European Ombudsman @EUombudsman]

The Commission should also record any assessment it makes of conflicts of interest risks in relation to work travel by staff.

[European Ombudsman @EUombudsman]

Today, Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly presented the Office's activities to MEPs in #EPlenary. With her mandate drawing to a close, she outlined the positive developments in transparency, ethics and accountability she has witnessed in the EU administration.

🗨️ https://t.co/iLcdjAAgb5

[European Ombudsman @EUombudsman]

Teresa Anjinho has been elected European Ombudsman by the European Parliament with 344 votes in favour.

Ms Anjinho will take office on 27 February 2025.

https://t.co/MxvAf3AkXn

[European Ombudsman @EUombudsman]

We also found that there is no systematic review of the financial interests of experts. We therefore suggested that
@EU_Commission asks candidate experts to complete a detailed declaration, including financial and family interests.

[Koen Roovers @k_roovers]

The @EUombudsman closed the inquiry into the European Defence Fund and how external experts help the Commission with evaluating the proposals from the security and defence industry. Among the proposals is to require more detailed info upfront about experts' personal interests.

[European Ombudsman @EUombudsman]

We found that, when assessing potential conflicts of interests of external experts evaluating projects under the European Defence Fund, @EU_Commission relies mainly on info submitted by these experts. We encourage it to proactively look for other sources.

https://t.co/I1wTiII7V4

[CEE Bankwatch Network @ceebankwatch]

1/ The number of revolving door cases at the @EIB is on the rise, indicating a systemic issue at this key 🇪🇺institution – one that puts its integrity at risk.
In a recent piece for @euobs, our Executive Director outlines the recent but long history of revolving door cases at the EIB and its failure to respond: https://t.co/HqWNF9U58d

[European Ombudsman @EUombudsman]

"Good administration must and does include observance of and respect for fundamental rights. Where fundamental rights are not respected, there cannot be good administration." - 🇪🇺 Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly at @EP_HumanRights committee

🔗https://t.co/WiDVlyNxj2

[European Ombudsman @EUombudsman]

We suggest @EU_Commission make public all opinions issued by its ethics committee concerning former commissioners’ post-mandate jobs.

This would improve transparency and public scrutiny around the Commission's ability to ensure these jobs are compatible with post-mandate duties.

[European Ombudsman @EUombudsman]

We have asked the Commission to:

▪️ review its internal procedures
▪️ ensure companies provide sufficient information in their authorisation applications
▪️ promptly reject applications with insufficient information

🧵2/3

[European Ombudsman @EUombudsman]

We have found maladministration in @EU_Commission failure to meet legal deadlines for preparing authorisation decisions concerning dangerous chemicals.

Decisions take 14.5 months on average despite 3-month deadline, with the chemicals remaining in use during the process.

🧵 1/3

[Access Info Europe @Access_Info]

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Executive Director and founder, Helen Darbishire.

Helen’s visionary leadership, compassion, and dedication have left a lasting impact on all of us, and her absence will be deeply felt.

https://t.co/g3ddpiTXLZ

[Koen Roovers @k_roovers]

.@FTM_nl: 'Via dit platform stemmen Brussel en Washington stilletjes de wereldpolitiek af'.

Over de 'EU-US Trade and Technology Council', met commentaar van de @EUOmbudsman:

https://t.co/jyJQDECbBN

[PETI Committee Press @EP_Petitions]

🚨During today’s #Eplenary, @EP_President announced the candidates for the European Ombudsman elections, scheduled for December! 🗳️

•Teresa Anjinho 🇵🇹
•Emilio De Capitani 🇮🇹
•Marino Fardelli 🇮🇹
•Julia Laffranque 🇪🇪
•Claudia Mahler 🇦🇹
•Reinier van Zutphen 🇳🇱

[Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus @DrTedros]

The health system’s capacity in #Lebanon is deteriorating. @WHO’s medical supplies cannot be delivered due to the almost complete closure of Beirut’s airport.

WHO calls on urgent facilitation of flights to deliver health supplies to Lebanon. Lives depend on it!

[European Ombudsman @EUombudsman]

We’ve found maladministration for @EU_Commission's refusal to give access to stakeholder & Member State input on the #NatureRestorationLaw before the law was finalised. Meaningful public participation in EU legislative processes is key for legitimacy and accountability.

[Koen Roovers @k_roovers]

Q: Has the EU really become more transparent?
A: 'Sort of'

The @EUombudsman talks @euronews about the #Pfizer texts inquiry, #revolvingdoors, the role of #Frontex in search and rescue operations and delays in dealing with #FOI request from the public.

https://t.co/HFROoLNy9a

[Koen Roovers @k_roovers]

.@trouw 'EU-Ombudsman is kritisch: ‘Europese Commissie leeft zelf de [#transparantie] wet niet na’' https://t.co/1oXRjYEVC2

[European Ombudsman @EUombudsman]

We welcome that @EU_Commission now requires former officials to mention restrictions were imposed on them in public communications about their future position.

We've asked that it require them to describe these restrictions accurately and meaningfully.

🔗https://t.co/KoJXMWVrSU