All strategic inquiries

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...

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...

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 ...

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.

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...

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 Ombudsman has opened a follow-up inquiry on the Commission's management of ‘revolving doors’ situations concerning EU staff

The Ombudsman has sent a Special Report to the European Parliament, on her inquiry to improve the accountability of the Council’s legislative work