The EC has delayed its environmental deregulation package, which may have loosened restrictions on emissions and environmental protection.

The delay comes at the same time as a report from the EU ombudsman, calling the handling of some proposals "maladministration", and considered three inquiries related to the sustainability Omnibus (which concerned environmental deregulation), CAP, and legislative proposals to counter migrant smuggling. An inquiry was opened following complaints by civil society organisations.

Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho found a number of procedural shortcomings in how the EC prepared several legislative proposals that it considered urgent.

The report accuses the Commission of not carrying out certain parts of its own Better Regulation rules which are meant to ensure law-making is evidence-based, transparent, and inclusive.

“The Commission must be able to respond urgently to different situations, particularly in the current geopolitical context. However, it needs to ensure that accountability and transparency continue to be part of its legislative processes and that its actions are clearly explained to citizens,” said Ms Anjinho.

The Ombudswoman also made a number of suggestions in light of the upcoming revision of the Better Regulation rules. These include clarifying that climate assessments should be carried out for all legislative proposals and clarifying minimum standards for stakeholder consultations in urgent procedures.

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