Emily O’Reilly, the EU Ombudswoman since 2013, has been pushing for increased openness and transparency within EU institutions. Her role involves investigating cases of maladministration, either proactively or in response to complaints from EU citizens. O’Reilly has been critical of the European Commission’s culture of secrecy, which she believes erodes public trust. For example, she called out Ursula von der Leyen’s undisclosed text messages with Pfizer’s CEO during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. O’Reilly has also advocated for the publication of a secret protocol sent to Mercosur, human rights protections in the EU-Tunisia migration deal, and clarity from Frontex on its role in Mediterranean search and rescue operations. Most recently, she opened an inquiry into the Commission’s decision to relax environmental standards in the Common Agricultural Policy following protests by European farmers.
Radio Schuman provides a preview of Isabel Silva’s upcoming interview with Emily O’Reilly, set to be released later this week. The show also highlights the European Parliament agenda for the day, including discussions on the Capital Markets Union and a new plan to finance Ukraine. In France, a trial involving the far-right National Rally party begins, with accusations that EU funds were used to pay party employees. Lastly, the show delves into the topic of psychedelic drug therapies and whether and when they might become legally approved in Europe. Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron, and music by Alexandre Jas.
Emily O’Reilly, as the EU Ombudswoman, plays a crucial role in holding EU institutions accountable for their actions. She investigates cases of maladministration and advocates for increased transparency to uphold public trust in the EU. O’Reilly has taken a stance against the Commission’s culture of secrecy, highlighting instances such as undisclosed communications between EU leaders and corporate executives. She has also pushed for the publication of important documents, human rights protections in agreements, and clarity on operational activities. In her most recent action, O’Reilly opened an inquiry into the Commission’s decision to relax environmental standards in the Common Agricultural Policy amid protests from European farmers.
Radio Schuman previews an interview with Emily O’Reilly conducted by Isabel Silva, offering insights into the Ombudswoman’s work and advocacy for transparency within the EU. The show also covers the European Parliament’s agenda for the day, focusing on discussions related to the Capital Markets Union and financial support for Ukraine. Additionally, a trial involving allegations of misusing EU funds by the far-right National Rally party in France is highlighted. The show concludes with a discussion on the potential legalization of therapies involving psychedelic drugs in Europe. Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with contributions from journalist Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron, and music by Alexandre Jas.
Emily O’Reilly, in her role as EU Ombudswoman, has been a vocal advocate for increased transparency and openness within EU institutions. She is responsible for investigating cases of maladministration and works to ensure accountability. O’Reilly has critiqued the culture of secrecy within the European Commission, citing examples such as undisclosed communications between EU leaders and external parties. She has called for greater transparency in various areas, including the publication of important documents, human rights protections in agreements, and clarity on operational procedures. O’Reilly’s recent actions include initiating an inquiry into the Commission’s decision to relax environmental standards in the Common Agricultural Policy following protests from European farmers.
Radio Schuman provides a sneak peek into an upcoming interview with Emily O’Reilly conducted by Isabel Silva, shedding light on the Ombudswoman’s efforts to promote transparency within the EU. The show also highlights the European Parliament’s agenda for the day, featuring discussions on the Capital Markets Union and financial support for Ukraine. In addition, a trial commences in France involving allegations of misusing EU funds by the far-right National Rally party. The show concludes with a discussion on the potential legalization of therapies involving psychedelic drugs in Europe. Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with contributions from journalist Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron, and music by Alexandre Jas.
