Press release no. 6/2007

07 June 2007

The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, has launched a campaign to inform companies, associations, NGOs, regional offices, schools and universities about their right to complain to the Ombudsman. He said: "Thousands of businesses, associations and other organisations from all the Member States are involved in EU projects. They are often in direct contact with the EU administration, for example following calls for tender or contracts signed with the institutions and bodies. And some of them do encounter problems with the EU administration. I am therefore working hard to raise awareness among these target groups about my services."

Of all complaints the Ombudsman receives, 95% come from citizens, and only 5% from companies, associations and other organisations. However, half of the complaints from the latter groups fall within his mandate. Typical cases of maladministration encompass late payment for EU projects, problems with tender procedures, legal errors or the refusal to give access to a document.

The decisions of the Ombudsman are not legally binding but the EU institutions are keen to cooperate. Mr Diamandouros stated: "Following our inquiries, the EU institutions have settled bills, paid interest, released documents, remedied injustices, reviewed processes, and improved procedures for the benefit of all parties."

In the framework of his information campaign, the Ombudsman will step up his cooperation with important target groups. In pursuit of this goal, he also published a new information sheet explaining to businesses, associations and other organisations how he can help settle problems with the EU administration, giving concrete case examples.

Please find the information sheet under the following link: