Brussels, 16/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 15 February, European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros outlined measures designed to reinforce cooperation with the European Commission “in the interests of European citizens”. In a meeting with the college of commissioners, he acknowledged the progress already attained in relations with the Commission and went on to stress the enhanced role which the ombudsman should play in helping the EU institutions deliver to citizens the rights promised by the Lisbon Treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. These include “the right to have one's affairs handled impartially, fairly and within a reasonable time by the EU administration, as well as the right of access to documents”, a press release from the ombudsman states.
The ombudsman welcomed a cultural shift, which has occurred within the Commission in recent years in relation to the acknowledgment and rectification of mistakes. He went on to stress that offering compensation constitutes “the next frontier to cross” in seeking to deepen the culture of service within the Commission. He suggested establishing guidelines to facilitate compensation payments in future cases.
In order to increase citizens' trust in the European civil service, the ombudsman also announced that he is preparing a statement of public service principles for the conduct of EU officials. He called on the commissioners to respond positively to this initiative, on which he will launch a public consultation in the near future.
Any EU citizen, resident, company or association may make a complaint to the European ombudsman. He provides a swift, flexible and free way to resolve any problems encountered with the EU institutions. (L.C./transl.rt)