Open debate call

BRUSSELS: EU governments should not hide their debates behind a wall of secrecy, but openly declare their positions on proposed laws, the bloc’s independent civic rights supervisor said.

“It’s almost impossible for citizens to follow the legislative discussions in the council.

“This ‘behind-closed-doors’ approach risks alienating citizens and feeding negative sentiment,” said European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly.

The Council of the European Union debates and passes laws alongside the directly elected European Parliament.