About: EU Ombudsman

MEPs push European Commission to reveal used cooking oil origins

Greens EU lawmakers have sent a formal letter requesting that the European Commission provide data on the origins and quantities of used cooking oil (UCO) imported into the bloc, putting further pressure on the EU executive to allay fraud concerns surrounding UCO imports.

EU watchdog cautions Commission over fairness, transparency of CAP reform

The EU Ombudsman has written to the Commission to query how it will ensure transparency and a balanced representation of interests during the implementation of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) reform. Stressing that agriculture is a crucial sector for reducing...

EU watchdog accuses Commission of maladministration over texts to Pfizer CEO

The European Commission's denial of access to text messages between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla amounts to ‘maladministration’, the EU Ombudsman found.

EU incapable of detecting fraud in biofuel imports, complainant says

The EU’s approach to monitoring fraud in the importation of used cooking oil (UCO) – a feedstock used to produce green biodiesel – is unfit for purpose, the complainant behind the EU ombudsman’s recent maladministration ruling has told EURACTIV.

Tweets of the Week: Christmas Brexit Plenary, BlackRock, Orban v Clooney and Maradona

Christmas plenary plans are not much to applaud, Blackrock contract inherently flawed, Orban versus Clooney leaves us all slack jawed, and we bid farewell to the Hand of God.

EU failed to properly assess climate risk of gas projects, watchdog says

The European Commission granted priority status to natural gas projects without properly assessing their impact on climate change, the European Union's Ombudsman said in a decision on Tuesday (17 November).

Ombudsman opens inquiry into EU Commission’s gas stance

The EU Ombudsman announced on Thursday (13 February) it has opened an inquiry into the European Commission’s catalogue of priority energy projects, after green activists lodged a complaint about the inclusion of new gas infrastructure on the list.

Ombudsman slams EU Council for tolerating presidencies’ private sponsorship

With Coca Cola and BMW sponsoring Romania and Finland during their respective EU Council presidencies last year, it would appear that member states have no qualms with private sector funding. But the European Ombudsman finds that this tarnishes the EU's reputation. EURACTIV Germany reports.

EU ombudsman who confronted Selmayr re-elected

The European Union's ombudsman was re-elected on Wednesday (18 December) after six years in which she has tangled with some of Brussels' most senior officials in the name of transparency.

EU Ombudsman: Barroso and Selmayr cases gave ammunition to populists

The European Union's ombudsman has voiced "frustration" to AFP that high-profile lapses in standards by the bloc's institutions in recent years provide "ammunition" for eurosceptics to attack the EU.

Parliament calls for Selmayr’s resignation in landslide vote

The European Parliament yesterday (13 December) adopted a resolution, with a majority of 71%, that calls for the resignation of Martin Selmayr, the former right-hand man of Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker whose rushed promotion earlier this year was criticised as "a coup-like action".

EU Ombudsman asks Council to join transparency register

The European Ombudsman has asked European Council President Donald Tusk to consider publishing information about meetings he and his cabinet hold with interest representatives, in line with the EU's push for more transparency.

Balancing secrecy and openness, the EU strives for transparency

EU laws go through a roller-coaster of opacity, with lawmaking only becoming visible in some parts of the process. But a new regime could extend this transparency from conception to birth.

Loss of trust in EU has social and economic consequences

Trust in EU membership is on the up across the continent but confidence in the Union’s institutions continues to flag. That is why a number of initiatives designed to increase transparency and accountability have gained momentum in recent years.

Ombudswoman brushes off National Front MEP’s discrimination complaint

A National Front MEP has called on Emily O’Reilly to examine discrimination against political minorities in the European Parliament. He says the situation has worsened since Brexit. Euractiv France reports.

Ombudsman demands transparency on human rights abuses in EU-Turkey deal

The European Commission needs to report more on possible human rights abuses resulting from its controversial deal with Turkey to send migrants back there from Greece, the EU institution's watchdog has warned.

EU Ombudsman tells Juncker to clarify his stance on Barroso’s new job

Emily O'Reilly has urged European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to address widespread concerns and clarify the institution’s position on the appointment of his predecessor, José Manuel Barroso, as the non-executive chairman of Goldman Sachs.

Watchdog opens inquiry into Commission advisers

Emily O'Reilly opened an investigation into how the EU executive hires special advisers for Commissioners.

Emily O’Reilly: Call me ‘Ombudswoman’

Speaking to EURACTIV.com ahead of International Women's Day, the European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly said she was open to being called 'Ombudswoman'.

Secretive ‘trialogue’ talks to agree EU law face investigation

EXCLUSIVE / Three-way talks between the major European institutions to broker deals on EU law face being investigated over their lack of transparency by the bloc’s maladministration watchdog.

TTIP transparency transformed by campaigners, says EU Ombudsman

Civil society organisations campaigning for greater transparency in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) have transformed the way it, and perhaps other future trade deals, are negotiated, the European Ombudsman has told EURACTIV.

‘Revolving doors’ rules need revamping, says EU Ombudsman

Rules governing European Commission officials joining the private sector need to be revamped, the European Ombudsman said today, before warning she would summon any public servant or commissioner suspected of a conflict of interest.