The European Ombudsman is a relatively little known but no less important organ of the EU governmental framework. Its role, enshrined in the EU Treaty, is to impartially examine instances of potential maladministration in the actions of EU institutions and bodies (except for the EU Court of Justice). Specifically, the Ombudsman is tasked with publicly denouncing situations where the EU has not satisfied fundamental rights, principles of law and of good administration.
Importantly, all citizens, companies and associations resident in the EU can make a complaint to the European Ombudsman. Unlike an action before the EU courts, there is no need to fulfil the requirement of being directly and individually impacted by an act of an EU institution or body. The European...
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