European Ombudsman

European Union

The European Ombudsman investigates complaints about maladministration in the institutions and bodies of the European Union. The institutions include, among others, the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. The European Medicines Agency and the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions are examples of EU bodies that the Ombudsman may investigate. Only the Court of Justice of the European Union, the General Court, and the Civil Service Tribunal acting in their judicial role do not fall within his jurisdiction.

The Ombudsman usually conducts inquiries on the basis of complaints but can also launch inquiries on his own initiative.

The Ombudsman cannot investigate:

• Complaints against national, regional or local authorities in the member states, even when the complaints are about EU matters. Examples of such authorities are government departments, state agencies and local councils.

• Activities of national courts or ombudsmen. The European Ombudsman is not an appeals body for decisions taken by these entities.

• Complaints against businesses or private individuals.