The complainants were concerned about how the European Investment Bank (EIB) handled the application by a former vice-president to take up a position in an energy and utilities company within three months of leaving office. The company in question is a beneficiary of EIB loans. The complainants raised concerns about risks of conflicts of interest, and the measures proposed by the EIB to mitigate these risks.

The Ombudsman inspected documents concerning the EIB's decision to approve the move, and asked the EIB to reply to a number of questions. The EIB replied and the Ombudsman is analysing the reply.