Brussels, 29/04/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 29 April, European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros unveiled his annual report for 2009. The Ombudsman investigates complaints relating to maladministration in European Union institutions, bodies and agencies. Diamandouros, who was re-elected to the post in January, aims to defend the fundamental right to sound administration established in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and also to ensure that the EU delivers the advantages promised to citizens in the Lisbon Treaty, such as the European citizens' initiative.
In 2009, the Ombudsman received 3,098 complaints from citizens (84% of all complaints came from citizens), companies, NGOs and associations, compared with 3,406 in 2008. The largest number of complaints came from Germany, Spain, Poland and France. In proportion to their populations, Luxembourg, Malta, Cyprus and Belgium lodged most complaints. In almost 80% of cases, the Ombudsman was able to help the complainant by opening an inquiry into the case, transferring it to a competent body, or giving advice on where to turn. More than a third of all complaints (36%) related to lack of transparency, such as refusing to provide information or documentation. Responsible and transparent European administration is essential to increase citizens' confidence in the EU, Diamandouros said.
Over the year, 339 investigations were begun and 318 closed, and the time taken for investigations fell from 12 months in 2008 to nine months. The Ombudsman opened four own initiative investigations into the European Commission. Most of the inquiries opened in 2009 concerned the European Commission (56%), followed by the European Parliament, the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO), the Council and the Court of Justice of the EU. In more than half of the cases (56%), the institution concerned accepted an amicable solution or settled the matter, compared with only 38% in 2008. Diamandouros also issued critical remarks, that is, when he felt that the institution concerned could not eliminate the maladministration, in 35 cases, down from the 44 cases of 2008 and 55 of 2007.
At the start of 2009, the Ombudsman also set up an internet site with an interactive guide to help complainants find more easily the body most able to help them. In the course of the year, more than 26,000 people sought advice on the site. (C-C.G./transl.rt)