Press release
EU Commission persists in undemocratic push to weaken accountability laws – NGOs call on MEPs to act
16 September 2025
NGOs condemn the EU Commission's obstinate refusal to acknowledge the undemocratic and opaque process that led to the so-called first Simplification Omnibus – and urge Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to reject the weakening of key corporate accountability laws.
In a written response to the European Ombudswoman - which opened an inquiry into the potential maladministration by the Commission in the first Omnibus package - the Commission doubled down in defending the way its proposal was put forward, despite clear breaches of its own Better Regulation guidelines and essential procedural requirement under the European Climate Law.
In April, ClientEarth together with Anti-Slavery International, Clean Clothes Campaign, European Coalition for Corporate Justice, Friends of the Earth Europe, Global Witness, Notre Affaire À Tous and T&E, lodged a complaint with the Ombudswoman highlighting the flawed process that led to the Omnibus proposal, including the lack of public consultation, lack of transparency, absence of impact and climate assessments, and the disproportionate influence of corporate interests.
NGOs representatives said:
“The Commission's reply is deeply disappointing. It fails to adequately answer the Ombudswoman’s and our concerns. This confirms that the Omnibus proposal is riddled with legal uncertainty and stands on very shaky legal grounds. It lacks democratic legitimacy, an evidence-based foundation, and alignment with the EU’s own legal climate objectives.”
NGOs are calling on Members of the European Parliament to reject changes that would jeopardise the EU's environmental goals and put companies committed to sustainability at a competitive disadvantage in an upcoming JURI Committee vote planned for October 13 and later in plenary session.
They are urging MEPs to take in account the lack of proper impact assessments and open consultation into their amendments proposals and their deliberations and prevent the unravelling of crucial safeguards against corporate human rights and environment abuses such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
NGOs representatives added:
“Members of the European Parliament cannot ignore the disastrous consequences that the Commission’s proposed changes to the CSDDD would have for human rights, the environment, and Europe’s ability to meet its climate goals. MEPs must act responsibly and safeguard legal certainty for both businesses and citizens. This so-called ‘Simplification Omnibus’ is anything but simple – it risks making companies’ lives more complicated and rewards laggards over those already making efforts to transition.”
The coalition of NGOs will submit their reply to the Ombudswoman on October 13.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
On the EU Ombudswoman complaint :
On 18 April 2025, NGOs submitted a formal complaint to the European Ombudswoman, citing failures in the Commission’s preparation of the Omnibus proposal, specifically, the lack of a comprehensive impact assessment and inadequate public consultation.
In response, the EU watchdog launched an inquiry into this case.
On September 12, the EU Commission responded to the EU Ombudswoman’s inquiry.
On the legality of the EU Commission first Omnibus proposal:
A first legal analysis has been published by Swedish law firm Cirio; setting out potential legal grounds to challenge the Omnibus, should Member States proceed without addressing these critical concerns.
A preliminary legal analysis by Baldon Avocats, commissioned by ClientEarth and released on June 2025, warns that the Commission’s proposed regulatory rollbacks may violate several EU Treaty provisions. These include the Charter of Fundamental Rights and key principles of EU law, potentially opening the door to legal challenges.
About ClientEarth
ClientEarth is a non-profit organisation that uses the law to create systemic change that protects the Earth for – and with – its inhabitants. We are tackling climate change, protecting nature and stopping pollution, with partners and citizens around the globe. We hold industry and governments to account and defend everyone’s right to a healthy world. ClientEarth teams in Europe, Asia and the USA work to shape, implement and enforce the law, to build a future for our planet in which people and nature can thrive together.