MEPs to elect new European ombudsman on Tuesday - Main contents

MEPs will elect on Tuesday 16 December the new European ombudsman, whose task is to investigate complaints about maladministration by EU institutions. The only candidate for the post is the existing ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly from Ireland. Follow the vote online on our website on Tuesday at noon CET.

The mandate of the new ombudsman is for the 2014-2019 parliamentary term. O’Reilly has been in office since October 2013, when her predecessor, Nikiforos Diamandouros from Greece, retired. O’Reilly took part in a hearing on 2 December, where she answered questions from members of the EP's petitions committee.

The task of the ombudsman is to investigate complaints about maladministration by EU institutions and bodies. Complaints can be submitted by anyone who lives in the EU or is an official citizen, as well as companies and associations with an office in the EU.

In 2013, the ombudsman's office received 2,420 complaints, while 23,245 citizens received help in the form of advice or information. For more details, check out the European Ombudsman’s annual report.

REF. : 20141208STO83020

Updated: ( 15-12-2014 - 11:06)