Decision of the European Ombudsman in the case 29/2020/FP on the European Commission's alleged failure to request a written report from an expert who was asked to visit North Macedonia for the third time

Dear Mr X,

On 4 January 2020, you submitted a complaint to the European Ombudsman. The Ombudsman has asked me to deal with your complaint and reply to you on her behalf.

We note that the Commission has explained to you why it did not obtain the report you seek access to.

You argue that the Commission exceeded its discretionarily powers in deciding that a written report was not needed following the expert’s third visit in North Macedonia. We note that, in the confirmatory decision sent to you, the Commission thoroughly explained the circumstances of this case and the reasons why a written report had not been requested for that visit. It also provided you with the “2019 report on North Macedonia”, which includes the findings reported by the expert. We are not aware of any formal reason (either statutory or contractual) why an additional report had to be drafted.

I therefore conclude that there was no maladministration by the European Commission.

I hope you will find this information useful. Thank you for having contacted the European Ombudsman.

Yours sincerely,

Fergal Ó Regan
Head of Inquiries ‐ Unit 2

Strasbourg, 24/01/2020