History

How the EU works

Organisation of the EU

European Council

Council of the EU

European Parliament

European Commission

The Court of Justice of the EU

European Ombudsman

Committees and agencies

European Central Bank

Symbols of the Union

Significance of the EU

Treaty

 

European Ombudsman

European Ombudsman
Nikiforos Diamandouros.

Photo:European Commission

The European Ombudsman is appointed to his or her position for five years, which is the duration of the electoral period of the European Parliament. EU citizens can file complaints with the Ombudsman if they feel that EU institutions or agencies have not treated them fairly. Any complaint must be made within two years of the event.

The European Ombudsman does not receive complaints concerning the actions of the authorities or decisions of the individual countries.

The Ombudsman examines complaints and may require corrective action. The ombudsman is fully independent and impartial.