The Ombudsman has published her annual report for 2024 with transparency and accountability issues representing the largest percentage of inquiries (42.2%).

The report provides an overview of key areas of the Ombudsman’s work, such as the inquiry into how the Commission takes authorisation decisions on dangerous chemicals and the inquiry into how the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) meets its fundamental rights obligations when it comes to search and rescue operations. Other inquires covered by the report include how the Commission works on urgent legislative proposals such as the recent amendment to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, how the Council of the European Union ensures sponsorship of its rotating presidency does not lead to conflicts of interest, and how the Commission and Council handle public access requests for legislative documents.

In 2024, the Ombudsman opened 415 inquiries, including four own-initiative inquiries. The average length of an inquiry was under six months, with half of all inquiries closed within three months.