Mizzi appointed S&D Rapporteur on Ombudsman annual report

Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi was appointed as Socialists and Democrats (S&D) rapporteur and spokesperson for the Petitions Committee’s annual report on the activities of the European Ombudsman.

Each year the European Ombudsman steps up its supervision powers and evaluates deficiencies and cases of maladministration for the previous year on the basis of which the Ombudsman provides recommendations to improve citizens’ trust in the EU civil service.

In the Annual Report for 2013, the European Ombudsman emphasised the importance of transparency, conflict of interests, citizens’ participation in EU decision-making process and fundamental rights as the ultimate concerns to our citizens.

Marlene Mizzi said:  “It is always an honour to be appointed as rapporteur by one’s political group and in particular on such an important issue for our citizens. The European Ombudsman is the guardian of good administration making sure that its institutions function properly and do not encroach on citizens’ rights. As a rapporteur, I will do my utmost to ensure that citizens’ concerns are fully integrated in the work of the European Ombudsman and of all European Institutions.”

The current economic and financial crisis has accentuated a growing antagonism and distrust in the European Union with many citizens who had experienced a number of short comings with the European institutions are alarmingly and increasingly feeling insecure, losing their confidence and trust in European Project.

The European Ombudsman plays a key role in further strengthening and deepening the dialogue with European citizens bridging the gap between them and the EU institutions.

This is Marlene Mizzi’s first official appointment since the European Elections in May 2014, but she has already had vast experience with numerous reports during the past legislature. “The role of the European Ombudsman is essential for winning back citizens’ trust in the European Project. EU citizens should know their rights and know how to use them. This is in fact the Ombudsman’s most important function, to improve visibility and communication with Europe’s citizens, so they can utilise their rights in the most efficient way,” Mizzi said.