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All strategic inquiries
Beyond inquiries into specific complaints about maladministration in the EU institutions, the European Ombudsman also has the power to proactively work on broader strategic issues. The Ombudsman carries out strategic investigations on her own initiative, which aim to draw attention to matters of public interest and look into wider systemic issues affecting the EU institutions and the democratic decision-making process.
Showing 1 - 10 of 62 results
How the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) deals with complaints about alleged fundamental rights breaches through its 'Complaints Mechanism'
Strategic Inquiry OI/5/2020/MHZ - Thursday | 12 November 2020
The Ombudsman opened an inquiry on her own initiative into the European Border and Coast Guard Agency's (Frontex) Complaints Mechanism for those who believe their fundamental rights have been breached in the context of a Frontex operation. The Ombudsman sent a series of questions to Frontex, relating to the effectiveness and transparency of the Complaints Mechanism, and the role of the 'fundamenta...
Council transparency during the COVID-19 crisis
Strategic Inquiry OI/4/2020/TE - Wednesday | 29 July 2020
In the context of wider strategic work on the response of the EU administration during the COVID-19 crisis, the Ombudsman has also been examining the work of the Council of the EU, notably as regards the transparency of its decision making. In particular, the Ombudsman has assessed the decision by the Council to derogate, temporarily, from its Rules of Procedure during the crisis, and the implicat...

How the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control gathered and assessed information during the COVID-19 crisis
Strategic Inquiry OI/3/2020/TE - Friday | 24 July 2020
In the context of wider strategic work on the response of the EU administration during the COVID-19 crisis, the Ombudsman has also been examining the work of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). This included particular focus on how the ECDC has been able to gather and assess the data that underpins its work. In addition to inspecting documents related to the ECDC's role ...
Eurogroup agrees to increased transparency
Strategic Inquiry OI/1/2019/MIG - Monday | 02 December 2019
2 December 2019 - Euro area Member States have improved public access to decision making following a request by the Ombudsman to Eurogroup President Mário Centeno. Under the changes, the draft agendas of the Eurogroup meetings will be published earlier in advance than previously and the letter summarising the meetings will be more detailed. Also, the dates of the Euro Working Group meetings will b...

Transparency of the bodies involved in preparing Eurogroup meetings
Strategic Inquiry OI/1/2019/MIG - Monday | 13 May 2019
Transparency of the bodies involved in preparing Eurogroup meetings.
Own-initiative inquiry into the EC's alleged failure to reply to correspondence concerning an order of reimbursement
Strategic Inquiry OI/7/2018/JF - Wednesday | 28 November 2018
Ombudsman inquiry strengthens transparency and objectivity of EMA's assessment of new medicines
Strategic Inquiry OI/7/2017/KR - Monday | 17 July 2017
26 November 2019 - An Ombudsman inquiry into how the European Medicines Agency (EMA) engages with pharma companies before they apply for market access for their medicines has led to several measures to improve the transparency and objectivity of the process. Working constructively with the Ombudsman, EMA has agreed to introduce a log of the scientific advice concerning medicines in the market appr...

Accessibility for persons with disabilities of websites and online tools managed by the European Commission
Strategic Inquiry OI/6/2017/EA - Wednesday | 12 July 2017
The European Ombudsman, Emily O' Reilly, has opened an inquiry into the accessibility for persons with disabilities of websites and online tools managed by the European Commission.

The Commission's management of ‘revolving doors’ situations concerning EU staff
Strategic Inquiry OI/3/2017/NF - Monday | 27 March 2017
The Ombudsman has opened a follow-up inquiry on the Commission's management of ‘revolving doors’ situations concerning EU staff
Council legislative accountability
Strategic Inquiry OI/2/2017/TE - Friday | 10 March 2017
The Ombudsman has sent a Special Report to the European Parliament, on her inquiry to improve the accountability of the Council’s legislative work
