Press Release: Ombudsman: new rules on investigations will help in finding the truth

The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, welcomed the decision of the European Parliament (EP) to update the rules that apply to his work. The new rules:

give the Ombudsman full access to EU-documents during his inquiries;
abolish the requirement that EU officials who testify must do so 'in accordance with instructions'; and
recognise the need for the Ombudsman to cooperate with institutions for the promotion and protection of fundamental rights.
Mr Diamandouros commented: 'The changes will make it easier for me to find out the truth during my investigations into possible maladministration in the EU institutions. I am delighted that the European Parliament and the Council have demonstrated their trust in the Ombudsman institution by agreeing to these changes, which will ultimately benefit citizens by enhancing their right to know.'

European Commission: PRESS RELEASE/08/963: Modified Statute for the European Ombudsman http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/963&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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