The Commission does not like uncomfortable questions.
Photo by Eitan ABRAMOVICH / AFP
MCC Brussels has filed an official complaint with the European Ombudsman because the European Commission refused to disclose key documents related to the ongoing Digital Services Act (DSA) procedure concerning the Romanian presidential election.
The complaint was made after MCC Brussels submitted several unanswered requests in order to gain access to information on how the Commission is applying the DSA in relation to the elections in Romania – this is an urgent matter of public interest, as the country is preparing for the next round of elections on 4 May 2025. Despite the fact that former Commissioner Thierry Breton publicly warned about the wide-ranging implementation of the DSA in national elections, the Commission maintains that in this case no compelling public interest justifies transparency.
Although it acknowledged the existence of two DSA procedures, it cites the exemption for ongoing investigations as the reason for withholding the documents – however, this exemption does not apply in cases of significant public interest, particularly in matters related to alleged foreign interference. “In the Commission’s vocabulary there is no such thing as genuine disclosure,” said Frank Füredi, director-general of MCC Brussels.
They demand transparency from others while hiding their own activities from scrutiny.
“It is unacceptable that the DSA is being used opportunistically in Romania – behind closed doors. The Commission’s attempt to create a transparency-free zone for itself must be challenged,” Füredi added.
MCC Brussels warns that the undisclosed documents may contain information relevant to alleged Russian interference in the annulled first round of the Romanian presidential election – which makes the lack of disclosure even more serious.
The previous complaint submitted directly to the European Commission remained unanswered, despite the legal deadline for a response having expired.
“It is well documented that the Commission has a habit of ignoring uncomfortable questions beyond the statutory deadline,” declared Füredi.
“In this case the timing is particularly suspicious, as only days remain until the next round of elections. The Romanian people deserve to know what role the EU is playing in their democratic processes. While we welcome the Ombudsman’s investigation, this can only be the beginning. Elected officials, the press and the public must continue to demand accountability.”
MCC Brussels calls on all democratic institutions to ensure that the European Commission upholds its commitment to transparency, openness and democratic accountability – principles that are particularly important in this key election year for Europe.
Gábor Szűcs is currently an analyst at the 21st Century Institute and a political commentator for Megafon.
