The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, today received the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. Ambassador Jan Tombinski, the Permanent Representative of Poland to the European Union, hosted the ceremony at the office of the Polish Representation to the EU in Brussels. Dr Janusz Kochanowski, Poland's Commissioner for Civil Rights Protection, had nominated Mr Diamandouros for this high decoration.

The Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland was awarded to Mr Diamandouros for his efforts in promoting human rights in the European Union and beyond. The Cross is granted by the President of the Republic of Poland to non-Polish personalities or to Poles residing outside Poland for their outstanding contributions.

Mr Diamandouros commented: "I am very honoured to receive the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. The protection of human rights is at the core of my work as European Ombudsman, and I am determined to keep up my efforts during my new mandate. Furthermore, I am keen to build on the excellent relationship with my Polish colleague, Dr Janusz Kochanowski, whom I thank for nominating me."