The Ombudsman launched an initiative to look into how the European Union Asylum Agency complies with its fundamental rights obligations and ensures accountability for potential fundamental rights violations. The Asylum Agency replaced the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) in January 2022, taking on expanded mandate, as set out in its founding regulation. In the context of this new mandate, the Asylum Agency has an obligation to protect the fundamental rights of asylum seekers, including by appointing a ‘fundamental rights officer’ and establishing a complaints mechanism.

The Ombudsman set out a series of questions to the Asylum Agency and received its reply. The Ombudsman concluded the initiative, taking note of the progress made by the Asylum Agency in putting in place measures to comply with its fundamental rights obligations. However, she identified some shortcomings and made suggestions with a view to addressing these.