About: Ombudsman
French disability minister: people with disabilities must engage in politics
EU disability ministers are meeting in Paris on Wednesday (9 March) to take stock of the EU's disability strategy and exchange best practices. EURACTIV France spoke to the French secretary of state in charge of people with disabilities who initiated the meeting within the French EU Council presidency framework.
Impasse deepens in Poland over new ombudsman
Poland's Senate on Thursday (13 May) rejected the latest candidate for the politically sensitive role of national ombudsman, deepening an impasse that has pitted the ruling conservative party against opponents who say it is eroding democratic rights.
US to appoint permanent Privacy Shield Ombudsperson, as EU pressure tells
The Trump Administration plans to nominate a permanent Ombudsperson for the EU’s data protection agreement with the US, the White House said last week (18 January). The announcement comes after months of pressure on the issue from the EU.
EU watchdog opens probe into Barrosogate
Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly began investigating the Commission’s handling of the Barrosogate scandal today (28 February).
Commission: Serbia should acknowledge the remit of independent bodies
Serbia should improve its understanding of independent bodies, including the Ombudsman, while its parliament should be more active in overseeing the government, the European Commission said in its annual Progress Report for Serbia. EURACTIV Serbia reports.
Ombudsman criticises Commission’s handling of pesticides
European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly has strongly criticised the European Commission's regulation of pesticides. EURACTIV’s partner Journal de l'environnement reports.
Trialogues: What goes on behind closed doors?
As a young institution, it is important that the European Parliament acts swiftly to make trialogue talks more democratic before they become ingrained as a tradition, argues Carl Dolan.
EU Ombudsman demands more TTIP transparency
The European Ombudsman today (31 July) opened two investigations into the EU Council and Commission over a lack of transparency around the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).![Emily O'Reilly, EU Ombudsman, with EU Commission president 2009-2014, José Manuel Barroso [European Commission]](https://www.euractiv.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/07/emily_oreilly_jose_manuel_barroso_ombudsman_ombuds_corruption_credit-european_commission.jpeg)
Ombudsman pushes for more protection for EU whistleblowers
The EU Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, on Monday (27 July) opened an investigation into nine EU institutions, which have failed to put in place protective measures for staff members that report corruption or malpractice.
Almunia counter-attacks in high-profile Spanish football tax case
Joaquín Almunia, the Spanish Commissioner in charge of policing the EU's antitrust rules, has denied accusations of a conflict of interest in the handling of an investigation into unfair tax breaks worth billions of euros given to Spanish football clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Commission probed over ‘revolving door’ lobbying allegations
The European Ombudsman will today (14 February) launch a formal investigation into allegations that the European Commission is failing to clamp down on conflicts of interest amongst staff who leave the EU executive to take up jobs as lobbyists and consultants.
Putin appoints ombudsman for Western entrepreneurs
In a major speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, also known as “the Russian Davos”, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he had appointed an ombudsman to help Western entrepreneurs.
Danish MEPs champion new rights for ‘vulnerable consumers’
In a resolution adopted last week, the European Parliament defined what 'vulnerable consumers' are - the elderly, the needy as well as those with mental and physical disabilities. But every consumer can be considered vulnerable, argue two Danish MEPs interviewed by EURACTIV.
Ombudsman slams secrecy over Fukushima contamination
Following complaints from citizens, the European Ombudsman has opened an investigation into the EU's permitted levels of food contamination following the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan and their communication to the wider public. Similar complaints are also being heard in France.
Commission slammed over ‘systemic’ late payments
The EU executive has been criticised by the European Ombudsman for its failure to pay its contractors on time. The embarrassing report comes as MEPs prepare to vote on the Commission's revamped Late Payments Directive.
EU medicines agency slammed over obesity drugs
The EU's medicines regulator is under fire from the European Ombudsman for refusing to grant Danish researchers access to documents on two anti-obesity drugs so they can conduct independent analysis.
Ombudsman to probe EU animal testing report
The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, has opened an investigation into how the European Commission conducted a study into the use of chimpanzees for research purposes.
Diamandouros wins new term as EU Ombudsman
P. Nikiforos Diamandouros was yesterday (20 January) chosen by MEPs to serve another term as European Ombudsman, once again beating Belgian candidate Pierre-Yves Monette to the position.
Ombudsman report highlights EU’s lack of transparency
Being refused access to documents was "by far" the most common allegation made by citizens to the EU Ombudsman last year, revealed a report presented yesterday (27 April).
Ombudsman launches online guide for complainants
The European Ombudsman on Friday (13 March) launched an interactive guide for citizens wishing to complain about the EU institutions in an attempt to ensure that the complaints he receives are admissible.
Swedes to prioritise transparency at EU helm
The European Ombudsman yesterday (17 February) expressed his conviction that the incoming Swedish EU Presidency would make progress on making the EU more transparent and accountable to its citizens. Meanwhile, MEPs insisted that "no legislative documents should be kept secret" under a reformed access to documents policy.Commission accused of discriminating against interpreters
The European Commission is discriminating against freelance interpreters who are over 65 by neglecting to offer them work, EU Ombudsman P. Nikiforos Diamandouros said yesterday (15 December), asking MEPs to support his claim. But the EU executive argues such action is justified by the need to provide employment for newly-qualified young staff.
Ombudsman raps MEPs over allowances
The EU Ombudsman has stressed that the European Parliament is continuing to fail to comply with transparency rules regarding the allowances its members receive. But the institution's Vice President Diana Wallis yesterday (15 July) insisted that reforms are already underway to address the bulk of his concerns.