European Ombudsman

The Ombudsman invites third parties to submit their views concerning his Own Initiative Inquiry in relation to the European Commission's Early Warning System ("EWS"). The EWS is a computerised information system containing details of certain third parties who are deemed to represent a threat to the Communities' financial interests and reputation.

According to Article 195 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, the European Ombudsman is empowered to conduct inquiries on his own initiative in relation to possible instances of maladministration in the activities of Community institutions and bodies.

By virtue of this provision, the Ombudsman, on 27 October 2008, opened an Own Initiative Inquiry (OI/3/2008/FOR) in relation to the EWS.

On 27 February 2009 the European Commission provided the Ombudsman with its opinion in relation to the Own Initiative Inquiry.

Observations should be sent by post, fax or e-mail to:

Médiateur européen
1 avenue du Président Robert Schuman
CS 30403
F-67001 Strasbourg Cedex
France

Fax:  +33 3 88 17 90 62

E-mail: Please use the electronic contact form (http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/shortcuts/contacts.faces)

In accordance with Article 14 of the Decision of the European Ombudsman adopting implementing provisions, observations submitted to the Ombudsman are, in principle, public documents.

The European Commission has been informed of the Ombudsman's intention to launch a public consultation on this matter.