EU Ombudsman Opens Inquiry into Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Concern

Several NGOs together with ESC have addressed the EU Ombudsman who has now opened an official inquiry.

On April 13, 2025, a formal complaint was submitted to the European Ombudsman by Priartem
(France), the Nordic groups and supported by ESC and several other NGOs. The reason for the
complaint was a failure on the part of the European Commission to address concerns over a
scientific opinion on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from the SCHEER Committee, which
has assessed the need for revisions to EU regulations concerning exposure to these fields. The letter
of concern which the Commission failed to answer was submitted by the NGOs in February 2025.

Concerns Raised About Lack of Expertise and Conflicts of Interest in SCHEER Committee

The letter expressed concerns that the SCHEER Committee’s working group lacked the necessary
expertise and was influenced by conflicts of interest. These issues have led to a scientifically
inadequate opinion that appears to be biased. Furthermore, it was pointed out that the SCHEER
Committee failed to provide a clear explanation of how it selected and weighed scientific evidence,
potentially undermining the robustness of its findings. At the heart of the complaint is the belief that
the current EU regulations, including the 1999 Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC and
Directive 2013/35/EU, fail to offer sufficient protection for public health in relation to
radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.

EU Ombudsman Opens Inquiry into Commission’s Response

In response, the European Ombudsman has opened an official inquiry into the matter. The European
Commission has been asked to provide a written response to the concerns raised in the letter dated
February 21, 2025, by June 16, 2025. Should the Commission fail to offer a timely or adequate
reply, the Ombudsman will determine whether further investigation is warranted.

Spokesperson for the group, Sophie Pelletier, says, “This marks a significant step in addressing
ongoing concerns about public health consequences and the inadequate scientific scrutiny behind
EU regulations on electromagnetic field exposure.”

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From the desk of the Press Group for ESC