THE Office of the European Ombudsman was established by the Maastricht Treaty. The role of the Ombudsman is to receive complaints concerning cases of maladministration by EU authorities.
Who can complain to the European Ombudsman?
EU citizens and non Union nationals residing in the Union, businesses, associations and collective bodies who have registered offices in the Union.
How are complaints made?
By writing to him, setting out the grounds for the complaint with all relevant evidence on the complaint, including dates, contact names and addresses.
What conditions must be met by a complaint to the European Ombudsman?
All complaints must concern cases of maladministration by community institutions. His office does not have the power to consider cases against local or national bodies. The complaint must also be made within two years of the date on which the facts' became known.
Where can he be contacted? The Office of the European Ombudsman, 1 Avenue du President Robert Schuman BP 403, F-67001 Strasbourg Cedex. Tel 0033 88 172313.