Seven organizations oppose Aura Salla's new appointment as chief negotiator on digital issues due to lobbying background
Seven organizations are demanding the removal of Aura Salla from her newly appointed position as chief negotiator for digital regulation in the EU Parliament, citing her previous lobbying work for Meta.
In Brussels, seven organizations have publicly called for the revocation of Aura Salla's appointment as the chief negotiator for EU digital regulation. This move comes in open letters initiated by Transparency International EU and six other advocacy groups focused on lobbying and transparency. They argue that Salla's ties to Meta, the parent company of Facebook—which she worked for in lobbying roles from 2020 to 2023—pose a conflict of interest in her new responsibilities aimed at simplifying digital regulation.
The organizations highlight that Salla not only worked for Meta but also led the company's entire lobbying team. Her role involved advocating for Meta's interests within the EU, and they argue that many of her former colleagues continue to influence the EU Parliament. This relationship with the tech giant raises serious concerns about impartiality and transparency in the legislative process, which the organizations believe could jeopardize the integrity of the new digital regulations.
The criticisms directed at Salla point to a broader need for scrutiny of political appointments, especially in sectors heavily influenced by big tech lobbying. The organizations fear that Salla's appointment could trigger suspicions regarding the legislative process and the effectiveness of new digital regulation initiatives, ultimately undermining public trust in the governance of technology in the EU.