Fuente: © European Parliament
http://www.europarl.eu.int/

EU: Clearer rules on European Ombudsman's access to information

/noticias.info/ Proposed changes in the rules governing the European Ombudsman's access to information held by EU bodies and evidence given to him by EU civil servants, are set out in a report, adopted by the European Parliament, on the Ombudsman's Statute. The key aim of these changes is to boost citizens' confidence in the Ombudsman's work. The debate took place on 21 April (see link below).
Changes in the Ombudsman's Statute were requested by the Ombudsman himself, Mr Diamandouros, in a letter sent to EP President Hans-Gert Pöttering in July 2006. The report was adopted with 576 votes in favour, 8 against and 6 abstentions.

Clearer rules on access to confidential documents

MEPs adopted an amendment to a provision that obliges all EU institutions and bodies to provide the Ombudsman with the information he requests. This amendment deletes the current caveat that information may be refused on grounds of secrecy, which Members felt that citizens could interpret as restricting the Ombudsman's right to acquire information.

The new text spells out the rules on the handling of classified information obtained by the Ombudsman and his staff in the course of their inquiries. The report says that they would be required not to divulge any sensitive information or any document falling under the scope of the Community legislation regarding the protection of personal data.

Officials bound to testify

MEPs also agreed to change the rule on the testimony of EU officials. The approved text deletes a requirement that Community civil servants must testify "in accordance with the instructions from their administrations". Again, the House felt that this wording might mislead citizens into thinking that officials are not always required to tell the truth.

The report setting out amendments to the statute of the European Ombudsman and his staff is drafted by Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI (ALDE, FI)

After the plenary vote in Parliament, the agreement of the Council is also needed for the changes to enter into force. notas_de_prensa_archivo