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.
“The Commission’s reply is deeply disappointing. This only confirms what we have said all along: the Omnibus is not simplification, it is deregulation. It is riddled with legal uncertainty, pushed through without transparency or consultation, and stands on shaky legal ground. Stripping back accountability rules at a time of climate and social crises is indefensible, it puts corporate profits above people’s rights, democracy, and the EU’s own climate objectives.” ~Virginie Rouas, Policy Officer at ECCJ
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 13 October 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).
“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.” ~ NGOs representatives
The coalition of NGOs will submit their reply to the Ombudswoman on 13 October 2025.
Notes to editors
On the EU Ombudsman 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.
