The Ombudsman opened an initiative to look into how the European Commission ensures that external experts involved evaluating project proposals under the European Defence Fund do not evaluate, advise or assist on matters that could give rise to conflicts of interest. According to the applicable legislation, the Commission should have a system in place to this end.

The Ombudsman wrote to the Commission, setting out a series of questions on how it gives effect to this obligation. The Commission replied, setting out the applicable legal framework and procedure for preventing conflicts of interests. The Ombudsman will continue to monitor developments in this important area and is reflecting on whether there are grounds for further inquiries.