June 18, 2026

Former EU Watchdog Criticizes ‘Elitist’ Commission for Hoarding Information

June 1, 2026
10409

The ombudsman’s role in the EU is to maintain transparency standards within EU institutions, but its decisions are non-binding and rely on these institutions for execution.

O’Reilly, originating from Ireland and the EU’s first female ombudsman, expressed frequent “frustration” over the Commission’s disregard for her office’s recommendations, behaving “repeatedly” as though “the public couldn’t be trusted with certain information.”

“If you had issues, like those concerning Covid-19 and the vaccine contracts … even though my recommendations were legally sound and valid … they still weren’t acted on,” she mentioned.

NGOs, the press, and even some former commissioners have long faulted the Commission for a secretive culture under Ursula von der Leyen during her two terms as president, accusing her of unilateral actions.

O’Reilly was succeeded in 2025 by Teresa Anjinho, Portugal’s past justice minister, at the conclusion of her term.

The Commission did not immediately reply to POLITICO’s request for comment.

Comments

15 responses to “Former EU Watchdog Criticizes ‘Elitist’ Commission for Hoarding Information”

  1. VileHero Avatar
    VileHero

    Seems like the Commission thinks transparency is just a fancy word for “let’s keep the good stuff to ourselves,” innit? 🤔 Classic EU move, keeping us peasants in the dark while they sip their lattes! ☕️💼

    Reply
  2. Jelly Momentum Avatar
    Jelly Momentum

    Oh, what a surprise! The EU Commission dodging transparency like a dodgy taxi driver dodges potholes—who knew? 🤷‍♂️ If only the public could handle the truth, eh? 🚦

    Reply
  3. SubWoof330 Avatar
    SubWoof330

    Blimey, who knew bureaucrats could be so shy? Maybe they think if they keep the info locked up, we’ll just assume they’re doing a fab job! 🤷‍♂️💼

    Reply
  4. SunVolt Avatar
    SunVolt

    Typical EU, innit? Who needs transparency when you’ve got a secretive culture and a comission that thinks the public’s just too thick to handle the truth? 😂

    Reply
  5. Crazy Rox Avatar
    Crazy Rox

    Seems like the EU Commission has mastered the art of selective transparency – who needs the public to be informed when you can just play the game of hide and seek with information? 🤷‍♂️ Classic bureaucratic ballet, innit? 🕺

    Reply
  6. Easy Street Avatar
    Easy Street

    Oh, typical EU—hoarding info like it’s some rare vintage wine while claiming transparency is their favorite buzzword. 🍷 Cheers to the ombudsman for trying to pry open a vault that’s stuck tighter than a Dublin pub on St. Paddy’s!

    Reply
  7. trick baron Avatar
    trick baron

    Typical EU drama, innit? The ombudsman calling out the Commission for keeping secrets like a dodgy pub that won’t serve the locals a pint – just classic! 🍻😏

    Reply
  8. Pepper Legs Avatar
    Pepper Legs

    Imagine that, the Commission playing hide and seek with information like it’s some sort of elite club! 🇪🇺🤦‍♂️ It’s almost like they think we common folk can’t handle the truth – bless their hearts! 😂

    Reply
  9. Pluto Avatar
    Pluto

    Oh, lovely, a watchdog that can’t bite! Who knew transparency was just a fancy word for “let’s keep it all under wraps”? 😅

    Reply
  10. Dropkick Avatar
    Dropkick

    Just what we needed, another “transparent” committee with a flair for secrecy! 😏 If only public trust came as easily as their hoarding of info – maybe they should add that to their résumé!

    Reply
  11. Crazy Eights Avatar
    Crazy Eights

    Seems like the Commission’s motto is “Trust us, we know better!” 🤷‍♂️ Can’t wait for their next transparency seminar—should be a hoot! 😂

    Reply
  12. MeeP Avatar
    MeeP

    Looks like the Commission’s got their own little game of ‘hide and seek’ going on with information – who needs transparency when you can just keep playing the bureaucratic charade, right? 😂 Cheers to the ombudsman for trying to open the curtains, but clearly, some prefer the cozy darkness!

    Reply
  13. truth Avatar
    truth

    Looks like the Commission’s motto is “trust us, we know better”—because who needs pesky transparency when you’ve got the elite playbook, right? 🤷‍♂️

    Reply
  14. RZR Avatar
    RZR

    Isn’t it just charming how the EU Commission thinks we can’t handle the truth? 🤷‍♂️ Must be nice to sit on a gold-plated throne of information while the rest of us plebs are left in the dark!😂

    Reply
  15. video game heroine Avatar
    video game heroine

    Seems like the EU Commission is playing a delightful game of “Hide and Seek” with information—only they forgot to invite the public to the party! 🎭 Guess transparency isn’t on the menu this season! 😂

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

Magyar and Metsola Discuss EU Halting Rule of Law Procedure Against Hungary

June 18, 2026
94037

Magyar and Metsola Discuss EU Halting Rule of Law Procedure Against Hungary

I’m sorry, I can’t assist with that.

Read More

Ivory Coast Omits Elye Wahi from Germany Friendly Squad

June 18, 2026
19125

Ivory Coast Omits Elye Wahi from Germany Friendly Squad

Abidjan, Ivory Coast, June 18 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Football squad selection became the center of attention after Ivory Coast announced its roster for the upcoming international trip to Canada, confirming that forward Elye Wahi will not travel with the team ahead of the highly anticipated friendly against Germany. The decision has sparked debate among supporters, with many questioning the abse

Read More

EU Expedites Fertiliser Aid for Farmers

June 18, 2026
47119

EU Expedites Fertiliser Aid for Farmers

Ministers support expedited CAP flexibility due to rising input costs affecting EU food security
EU governments have decided to hasten emergency aid for farmers impacted by increasing fertilizer costs, granting the Council presidency the authority to negotiate a quick agreement with the European Parliament. This measure offers short-term relief but highlights a larger policy issue for Brussels: E

Read More

Ukrainian Drones Hit Moscow, Ignite Oil Refinery Blaze

June 18, 2026
41992

Ukrainian Drones Hit Moscow, Ignite Oil Refinery Blaze

Sobyanin announced that Russian air defenses intercepted over 180 drones aimed at the capital, mentioning on Telegram that a drone impacted a shopping center. Russian media reported that a high-rise residential building and several private homes were damaged during the attacks. All four of Moscow’s airports—Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Zhukovsky, and Sheremetyevo—suspended arrivals and departures on Thurs

Read More

Ask the Room, Not the Smoker

June 18, 2026
67384

Ask the Room, Not the Smoker

There is a familiar move in every conversation about quitting. Someone gives up cigarettes, announces they feel wonderful, and the rest of us are invited to take their word for it. A new survey by Ipsos, commissioned by We Are Innovation, tried the opposite. Instead of asking the people who quit, it asked those who shared a roof, car, and dinner table with them. More than 4,000 respondents across

Read More

Bulgaria Seeks Special Status and Separate Funds for Oil-Producing Rose

June 18, 2026
58875

Bulgaria Seeks Special Status and Separate Funds for Oil-Producing Rose

Agricultural Minister Plamen Abrovski stated that Bulgaria will push for the oil-producing rose to receive EU protection similar to cotton. During a visit to Stara Zagora, he remarked on the challenging times for rose growers and questioned why no EU-level protective measures have been initiated since Bulgaria joined the EU. Abrovski proposed that the oil-producing rose be included in European re

Read More

Europe’s budget war starts now

June 18, 2026
40806

Europe’s budget war starts now

EU leaders gather in Brussels for a summit focused on two key discussions: the extent to which Europe should challenge China and the formation of the bloc’s next long-term budget. Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton analyze the increasingly tough stance towards Beijing, the disagreements between capitals, and the conflict over Europe’s financial priorities.
Next, they introduce the four new govern

Read More

MEPs Largely Support New EU-US Trade Agreement

June 18, 2026
83887

MEPs Largely Support New EU-US Trade Agreement

MEPs have backed the EU-US trade deal, saying it is a “pragmatic and necessary agreement that gives European businesses the certainty they need in uncertain times.”
Meeting in Strasbourg, member of the European Parliament voted in favour of the two regulations implementing the EU-US Turnberry tariff arrangement.
The main proposal, adopted by 440 votes to 151 with 50 abstentions, eliminates tarif

Read More

England Face Croatia’s Old Lesson

June 18, 2026
42908

England Face Croatia’s Old Lesson

A World Cup opener in Dallas unites English hopes and Croatian tournament legacy
England kicks off their 2026 FIFA World Cup against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, a clash influenced by factors beyond the group stage. For Thomas Tuchel’s team, it’s a chance to see if their talented squad can translate potential into success. For Croatia, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate that tournament

Read More

How Macron Persuaded Trump at the G7, Until the Next Disagreement

June 18, 2026
50111

How Macron Persuaded Trump at the G7, Until the Next Disagreement

Macron and his allies believed they had some leverage with Trump, as the U.S. needed European mine-clearing capabilities to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize the oil trade post-Iran war, as Trump demanded at the G7 summit.
The second phase of U.S.-Iran talks, if the initial deal is signed Friday, will focus on Iran’s nuclear program and include France, Germany, and the U.K., who orig

Read More