EU Trade Department Faces Scrutiny Over Contacts With Tobacco Industry
The European Ombudswoman has launched an inquiry into DG TRADE's interactions with the tobacco industry, citing transparency and compliance concerns.Summary
The European Ombudswoman, Teresa Anjinho, has opened an inquiry (Case 1036/2026/AML) into the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade (DG TRADE) regarding its interactions with the tobacco industry. The investigation follows a complaint from a civil society organization alleging regular, unnecessary, and non-transparent contacts that may conflict with the EU’s obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The Ombudswoman has requested access to Commission documents to assess compliance with transparency and administrative requirements. The inquiry is ongoing, with no findings of maladministration yet. This follows a 2023 investigation where the Ombudsman found maladministration in the Commission’s handling of tobacco lobbying transparency. The current case focuses on DG TRADE’s practices and whether they undermine tobacco-control policies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The FCTC requires limiting unnecessary interactions and ensuring transparency in necessary ones.
(Source：2Firsts)
