The Ombudsman has published her annual report for 2022 with transparency and accountability issues representing the largest percentage of complaints (32%).
The report provides an overview of key areas of the Ombudsman’s work, such as her suggestions to the European Commission, European Central Bank, and European Investment Bank for better managing moves by their staff to the private sector (so-called revolving doors). It also focuses on her work on access to documents, including her practical recommendations for the EU administration when it comes to recording work-related text and instant messages. Other subjects covered by the report include the inquiry into how the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) complies with its fundamental rights obligations and her call on the Commission to ensure a balanced representation of interests in relation to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.
In 2022, the Ombudsman opened 348 inquires, including four on her own initiative. The average length of an inquiry was under six months with nearly half (48%) of inquires closed within three months.
Overview of responses to public consultation on environmental decision making
The Ombudsman has also published an overview of the responses to her public consultation on transparency and participation in EU environmental decision-making.
Respondents pointed out cases where they faced difficulties accessing certain documents, such as those related to negotiations on draft legislation between the European Commission, European Parliament, and Council of the European Union. They also said that certain documents were frequently published late and that some information published by the EU administration was not user-friendly.
