13/11/2025
On 12 November, The Good Lobby hosted a webinar titled “Is Omnibus I Illegal?”, examining how a little-known legislative tool is reshaping EU lawmaking – and testing the limits of the rule of law itself.
The discussion came just days before the European Parliament’s new vote on Omnibus I, a legislative package that amends key sustainability and due diligence rules. Although presented as a simplification measure, critics see it as a shortcut undermining democratic safeguards.
Moderated by Professor Alberto Alemanno, founder of The Good Lobby and professor of EU law at HEC Paris, the webinar featured Quentin Mautray (ClientEarth) and Sophie in ’t Veld, former MEP and long-time defender of transparency and accountability in the EU.
From Technical Tool to Political Shortcut
Professor Alemanno described the Omnibus as a legislative vehicle that once served technical purposes but is now being used for substantive policy change. Since early 2025, the Commission has launched multiple omnibus proposals – none of which were subject to full public consultations and impact assessments.
“By invoking competitiveness and urgency,” Alemanno warned, “the Commission risks creating a standing exemption from its own procedural safeguards.”
This prompted ClientEarth and seven other NGOs to submit a complaint to the European Ombudsman, alleging maladministration and potential breaches of EU law.
Procedural Shortcuts, Legal Risks
Explaining the rationale behind the complaint, Quentin Mautray highlighted the Commission’s decision to skip both the impact assessment and the climate consistency check required under EU law.
“Without evidence or consultation,” he said, “the Commission cannot ensure its decisions are lawful or proportionate. This isn’t just bad policymaking – it may be illegal.”
The Ombudsman opened an inquiry swiftly after receiving the complaint. A decision is expected by the end of 2025, a move that could have broader implications for future omnibus initiatives.
A Power Grab in Broad Daylight
For Sophie in ’t Veld, the issue goes beyond procedure. The Omnibus, she argued, is part of a broader pattern of democratic backsliding in EU governance – from opaque trilogues to “coalitions of the willing” and ‘Team Europe’ that bypass parliamentary scrutiny.
“This is not an exception,” she said. “It’s becoming the new rule – a power grab in broad daylight.”
She urged both citizens and the media to pay attention: “We can’t expect courts alone to save democracy. The responsibility lies with us.”
The Takeaway
The speakers agreed that while simplification and agility are legitimate goals, they must not come at the cost of legality and participation. The Omnibus debate is therefore more than a procedural controversy – it is a test for Europe’s democratic resilience.
As Alemanno concluded:
“We’re witnessing the erosion of procedural integrity at the heart of the EU’s legal order. The question is whether Europe’s institutions – and its citizens – are ready to push back.”
At The Good Lobby, we commit to empowering many of you to do exactly that.