It was a pleasure to have a very positive initial meeting with the European Ombudsman, Teresa Anjinho. I am confident that cooperation between the European Commission and the European Ombudsman will be further strengthened,” wrote Ursula von der Leyen in a post on social media X, following a meeting in Brussels.
“We will work hand in hand to build and maintain the trust of all Europeans,” added the leader of the European Commission.
Last February, former Portuguese Secretary of State for Justice and former Deputy Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho took office as the new EU Ombudsman for a five-year term.
In an interview with Lusa in Brussels, released at the time, Teresa Anjinho expressed her intent to “empower” more citizens, particularly the vulnerable or underrepresented, to lodge complaints with the body in areas such as community fund management.
The new EU Ombudsman also called for greater transparency within EU institutions, suggesting the establishment of new rules regarding access to documents, following recent cases of mismanagement and corruption.
During the previous mandate, the European Commission faced criticism from the EU Ombudsman concerning the lack of transparency in releasing documents related to the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines and the memorandum of understanding with Tunisia for migration management.
The Ombudsman’s office, which is impartial, can initiate an inquiry following a complaint (which must be submitted within two years from the date of the issue) or on its own initiative.
The case can be resolved through information to the institution involved or an amicable solution, but if this is not possible, the Ombudsman may issue recommendations and, if they are not adopted, a special report can be sent to the European Parliament for necessary policy measures to be adopted.
Issues at stake include instances of abusive behavior, discrimination, abuse of power, withholding of information or refusal to provide information, unnecessary delays, or disregard for procedures, for example.
Complaints can be lodged by nationals or residents of EU countries or by associations or companies established within the community area.
At 50 years old, Teresa Anjinho is a human rights expert and academic researcher. She was previously part of the European Anti-Fraud Office’s Supervisory Committee.
Established in 1995, the European Ombudsman investigates cases of maladministration in EU institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies, acting on its own initiative or in response to complaints from citizens.
This morning, European Council President António Costa also expressed his expectation for cooperation from the EU Ombudsman, the also Portuguese Teresa Anjinho, to bolster citizens’ trust in EU institutions by ensuring integrity, following a meeting between the two in Brussels.
