A fierce political battle over transparency is unfolding in Brussels, as Patriots for Europe (PfE), a recently formed conservative faction in the European Parliament, has lodged an unprecedented number of freedom of information requests with the European Commission. The group has submitted a total of 86 requests, aiming to gain access to details of thousands of contracts between the EU and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Patriots for Europe says these requests are part of a broader push for increased transparency about how taxpayer money is allocated to NGOs across the bloc. The European Commission has so far rejected these freedom of information requests, asserting that they were insufficiently clear or overly broad. PfE disputes this interpretation and maintains that their requests are fully justified under EU transparency laws. As tensions escalate, PfE has confirmed that it intends to appeal the Commission's decision to the European Ombudsman, Teresa Anjinho. The gro...