EO express 01/2025

The EO express brings you an overview of the European Ombudsman's recent activities, including inquiry openings, key findings, speeches and events.

RECENT INQUIRY DEVELOPMENTS

Ombudswoman opens broad inquiry into how EU agencies handle revolving doors

European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has launched a wide-ranging inquiry into how EU agencies handle ‘revolving doors’—when public officials move to related work in the private sector. As a first step, she has asked a selection of 15 agencies to provide a list of recent revolving door cases concerning members of management boards and senior staff. She has also requested information on what policies they have in place for managing such cases.

Ombudswoman asks Commission for details on preparation of simplified legislative proposal

European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has asked the European Commission for detailed explanations on why it did not carry out a series of procedural steps when it prepared legislation to simplify EU sustainability rules for businesses. In particular, the Ombudswoman asked the Commission to explain its reasoning for not having an impact assessment, public consultation, or climate consistency assessment, as well as why an internal consultation between its departments on the draft proposal lasted only 24 hours.

Commission accepts suggestions on staff work trips paid for by third parties

In line with suggestions from the Ombudsman’s Office, the Commission has implemented new measures to ensure staff work trips paid for by third parties do not give rise to conflicts of interest. Specifically, the Commission has agreed to record the nature of third parties paying for staff trips and the costs borne by them, as well as its assessments of potential and perceived conflicts of interest.

Improved conflict of interest measures for experts evaluating defence projects

Following an inquiry by the Ombudsman’s Office, the European Commission has agreed to put in place several measures to ensure external experts who evaluate project proposals for the European Defence Fund (EDF) do not have any conflicts of interest. The measures include asking expert candidates to list family members with links to the defence industry and to outline their direct financial investments in defence companies.

Commission fails to address delays in the authorisation procedure for chemicals

European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has concluded that the European Commission has failed to address the issue of lengthy delays in deciding on company authorisation applications for dangerous chemicals. In particular, the Commission failed to address an earlier recommendation from the Ombudsman’s Office to review its lengthy internal procedures. It also did not accept the Office’s recommendation that applications containing insufficient information be promptly dismissed so that those companies can no longer use the dangerous substances in the EU.

EIB to proactively publish more environmental and social data

Following an inquiry by the Ombudsman’s Office, the European Investment Bank (EIB) will start proactively publishing its environmental and social assessments for projects located outside the EU that are likely to have a significant impact on the environment. From now on, the EIB will publish this information ahead of the adoption of financing decisions by its Board of Directors. Earlier publication should allow the public to more meaningfully participate in the assessment of the environmental and social aspects of projects the EIB is considering funding.

Inquiry into Commission decision not to carry out impact assessment on legislative proposals to counter migrant smuggling

European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has opened an inquiry into the European Commission’s decision not to carry out an impact assessment on two legislative proposals to counter migrant smuggling. As a first step, she has asked the Commission a series of questions concerning its reasoning for not carrying out an impact assessment as well as the urgency behind the legislative proposals.

PUBLICATIONS

Ombudswoman publishes 2024 annual report

The Ombudswoman’s annual report includes details on a wide range of inquiries from 2024 and provides statistics on complaints. In 2024, the Ombudsman’s Office opened 415 inquiries, including four own initiative inquiries. Transparency and accountability issues represented the largest percentage of complaints.

SPEECHES

Ombudswoman speech on European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) Day

“To preserve the ECI as a meaningful tool of democratic participation, we must address this gap between expectations and reality. That means ensuring transparency, honesty, and responsiveness from EU institutions. It also means making citizens more aware of this instrument and its potential to drive change. Goals that align closely with the principles of good administration and the exercise of the European Ombudsman’s mandate.” - European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho

Read the full speech

Ombudswoman discusses the importance of responsible lobbying

In an address to the general assembly of the European Public Affairs Consultancies Association (EPACA), European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho discussed some of her Office’s work to make the EU institutions’ interactions with interest representatives more transparent and accountable. The Ombudswoman also urged public affairs organisations themselves to establish and meet strong ethical standards when it comes to lobbying the EU administration.