The European Parliament approved by a large majority (623 votes in favour, 9 against, 61 abstentions), on Thursday 24 June, the interinstitutional agreement on the reform of the European Ombudsman’s statute in order to align the post’s jurisdiction with the Lisbon Treaty.
The Ombudsman will be able to launch their own inquiries whenever they find grounds for one, and will be able to propose solutions to the issues an investigation raises, namely in cases of repeated, systemic or particularly serious instances of maladministration.
The rules also clarify the conditions for access to documents and cooperation with member states' authorities and Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies. In addition, provisions for the protection of victims of harassment and whistleblowers are now foreseen.
“We have made history in the EU institutions: Parliament has exercised its right of initiative and managed to get all the institutions on board”, said Paulo Rangel (EPP, Portugal), in a statement.
See the approved regulation: https://bit.ly/3wTwmkp (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)