On 17 December 2024, the European Parliament adopted by a large majority the 2023 annual report of the European Ombudsman. This report, presented by MEP Alex Agius Saliba, reviews the activities of the institution responsible for investigating cases of maladministration in the institutions and bodies of the European Union.
The European Ombudsman, currently Emily O'Reilly, is an independent authority that examines complaints from citizens, businesses or organisations concerning administrative problems within EU institutions (Commission, Parliament, Council, etc.). Each year, the Ombudsman publishes a report of its activities, which the European Parliament examines and on which it votes a resolution. The 2023 report covers the period from 1 January to 31 December 2023.
In its resolution, the European Parliament:
The adopted text particularly emphasises the need to improve transparency of decision-making processes, especially regarding meetings with interest representatives (lobbying) and access to documents.
The resolution was adopted by 598 votes in favour, 17 against and 37 abstentions. This broad support shows a consensus among the main political groups in Parliament on the importance of the Ombudsman's work.
The European Ombudsman is a free recourse for any EU citizen or resident who feels they have suffered unfair treatment by a European institution (delay, refusal of access to a document, lack of transparency, etc.). By approving this report, Parliament sends a strong signal: it supports the Ombudsman and encourages institutions to better respect citizens' rights. Concretely, this means that citizens' complaints will be taken seriously and institutions will have to improve their transparency and responsiveness. If you encounter a problem with an EU institution, you can file a complaint with the Ombudsman, free of charge and without a lawyer.
Approximate match via declared fields of interest. This does not prove influence on this vote.
