02/09/2019 (Agence Europe) – At the end of August, the European Parliament officially launched the appointment procedure for the post of European Ombudsman for the period 2019-2024. Candidates, who have until 30 September to apply, must have the support of at least 40 MEPs from at least two Member States. The current European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly from Ireland, has once again applied. Considering her first mandate a success, she hopes that the European Union will continue to be “a world leader in terms of good administration, citizen-focused service, transparency and integrity”. Estonian Julia Laffranque is also a candidate, currently a judge at the European Court of Human Rights (see EUROPE 12298/29). (MB)