Institutions of the European Union

Contents
	The European Parliament (EP)
	The European Commission
	Council of the European union
	The European Council
	The Court of Justice of the European Communities
	European Court of Auditors
	The Committee of the Regions
	European Economic and Social Committee (ESC)
	The European Ombudsman
	Legislative acts and measures

The European Ombudsman investigates complaints about maladministration in theNikiforos Diamandouros institutions and bodies of the European Union (EU).

The institutions include, among others, the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. The European Medicines Agency and the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions are examples of Union bodies that he can investigate. Only the Court of Justice, the Court of First Instance, and the Civil Service Tribunal acting in their judicial role do not fall within his jurisdiction.
The Ombudsman usually conducts inquiries on the basis of complaints but can also launch inquiries on his own initiative.

The European Ombudsman is P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, former national ombudsman of Greece. He was elected by the European Parliament and has held office since 1 April 2003. The Parliament elected the first European Ombudsman in 1995.

What does he do?

The European Ombudsman investigates complaints about maladministration in the institutions and bodies of the European Union (EU). The institutions include, among others, the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. The European Medicines Agency and the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions are examples of Union bodies that he can investigate. Only the Court of Justice, the Court of First Instance, and the Civil Service Tribunal acting in their judicial role do not fall within his jurisdiction.

The Ombudsman usually conducts inquiries on the basis of complaints but can also launch inquiries on his own initiative.

What complaints can he deal with?

The Ombudsman investigates cases of maladministration (poor or failed administration). Maladministration occurs if an institution fails to act in accordance with the law, fails to respect the principles of good administration, or violates human rights.

Some examples are:

• administrative irregularities ;
• unfairness ;
• discrimination ;
• abuse of power ;
• failure to reply ;
• refusal of information ;
• unnecessary delay.

The Ombudsman may simply need to inform the institution concerned about a complaint in order for it to resolve the problem. If the case is not resolved satisfactorily during the course of his inquiries, the Ombudsman will try, if possible, to find a friendly solution which puts right the case of maladministration and satisfies the complainant. If the attempt at conciliation fails, the Ombudsman can make recommendations to solve the case. If the institution does not accept his recommendations, he can make a special report to the European Parliament.

Who can complain and how?

If you are a citizen of a Member State of the Union or reside in a Member State, you can make a complaint to the European Ombudsman. Businesses, associations or other bodies with a registered office in the Union may also complain to the Ombudsman.

Complaints can be lodged by post, fax or e-mail. A complaint guide and form is available from the Ombudsman's office and can be downloaded from the Ombudsman's website.

What if he cannot investigate the complaint?

If the Ombudsman is not able to investigate the complaint - for example, if it concerns national, regional or local administrations in the Member States - he will still do his best to help you solve your problem. This very often involves transferring the case to a member of the European Network of Ombudsmen or advising you to contact a member of the Network. Established in 1996, the Network comprises all national and regional ombudsmen in the EU Member States, the applicant countries for EU membership, Norway and Iceland, as well as committees on petitions in the EU.

How can I contact the Ombudsman?

The European Ombudsman
1 Avenue du Président Robert Schuman
CS 30403
FR - 67001 Strasbourg Cedex
Tel. +33 (0)3 88 17 23 13
Fax +33 (0)3 88 17 90 62

Comprehensive and up-to-date information about the Ombudsman's work is available from:
http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/

Who else could help me?

If you have a problem with a national, regional or local administration, you could contact the relevant national or regional ombudsman or committee on petitions. Their contact details are available on the European Ombudsman's website and can also be obtained by phoning the European Ombudsman's office.