Complaints against EU institutions increase

There were a record number of investigations into alleged maladministration involving EU institutions last year, the bloc’s internal watchdog says.

Nearly 400 cases were opened – up 18 percent on the previous year. Europe’s Ombudsman says the current economic crisis has helped fuel the increase.

“Clearly it is very difficult not to assume that citizens who would come to complain are not influenced by the crisis. I, as European Ombudsman, am very much concerned about that, recognise that obviously the crisis is having an impact on it and I am trying, from my perspective, to help citizens by answering questions and helping the institutions by telling them to come to the culture of service.” European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros said.

Lack of transparency was one of the main gripes with EU institutions, mostly the European Commission, often accused of failing to release documents or information.

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