The European Ombudsman, Jacob Söderman, today welcomed the measures announced by CEDEFOP (European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training) to avoid the use of improper language in dealing with complaints from European citizens. According to Mr. Söderman, "I am very happy that CEDEFOP responded so quickly and constructively to my inquiry and am convinced that their unfortunate use of inappropriate language is behind us."

The measures proposed by CEDEFOP come in response to the own-initiative inquiry opened by the Ombudsman earlier this year. The Ombudsman had noticed that in a number of opinions given by CEDEFOP on citizens' complaints, it used language different from that normally used by Community institutions and bodies. In the Ombudsman's opinion, this went against the principle of courtesy laid down in CEDEFOP's Code of Good Administrative Behaviour.

CEDEFOP now proposes to :

• give instructions to staff so as to avoid any repetition of inappropriate wording when replying to complaints in the future;
• closely monitor the language used in its opinions in order to ensure strict respect of its Code of Good Administrative Behaviour;
• publicise summaries of its answers to complaints on its web-site.

 

The Ombudsman's decision can be found on the Internet at:
http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/decision/en/02oi1.htm

 

For further information, please call Olivier Verheecke, Principal Legal officer, tel: +32 (0) 2 284.20.03.