The European Commission is standing by its use of MEPs in legal brainstorming teams called "high-level working groups" despite internal and parliamentary concerns over democratic standards.
"This is part of our better regulation agenda," commission spokesman Gregor Kreuzhuber said, explaining that the groups are linked to industry commissioner Gunther Verheugen's 2005 plan to make fewer legal proposals that end up in the bin.
The informal groups bring together MEPs, member state...
Back our independent journalism by becoming a supporting member
Already a member? Login hereAndrew Rettman is EUobserver's foreign editor, writing about foreign and security issues since 2005. He is Polish, but grew up in the UK, and lives in Brussels. He has also written for The Guardian, The Times of London, and Intelligence Online.
Andrew Rettman is EUobserver's foreign editor, writing about foreign and security issues since 2005. He is Polish, but grew up in the UK, and lives in Brussels. He has also written for The Guardian, The Times of London, and Intelligence Online.