The complainant asked the European External Action Service (EEAS) to provide access to documents related to the appointment of an EU ambassador. The EEAS refused access, invoking exceptions under the EU's rules on public access to documents, and arguing that the proceedings of selection panels and all related documents are confidential (in line with the EU Staff Regulations) and that disclosing the documents would breach the privacy of the individual.

The Ombudsman inquiry team inspected the documents and met with the relevant EEAS representatives to obtain clarifications on the refusal to provide access. Based on this, the Ombudsman found that the EEAS was justified in withholding access to the documents based on the exceptions. The Ombudsman thus closed the inquiry finding no maladministration. However, she suggested as an improvement that the EEAS should ensure that it provides detailed reasons for refusing access to documents, explaining how the disclosure of the requested documents may undermine, specifically and effectively, the interests protected by the EU rules on public access to documents. Moreover, the EEAS should publish the CV of the EU Ambassador in question on the delegation website.