European citizens' rights : an analysis of the role of the European ombudsman

Abstract

Who and what is the European Ombudsman, one may ask? The research criteria of this study set out to discuss and explore how five hundred (500) million European citizens' rights can be safeguarded by the European Ombudsman. The apparent lack of awareness and information regarding the European Ombudsman in European society is the basis of the study and how this can in fact be improved for the benefit for all. This possible can be carried out by increasing or developing legislation at European Union level and to deliver it to John citizen. For this reason, this study shows that the institution of The European Ombudsman, as an active administrative body within the EU since its creation in 1992, is one which the European public are learning, on an everyday basis, to be a defender of European Union citizens' rights. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the dissertation and endeavours to highlight the research aims and questions to be employed as a guideline for this study. Chapter 2 gives a literature review utilised in this study; giving particular priority on explaining who and what is this purpose of an ombudsman. It also includes a review on citizens' rights, treaties, law and codes. Chapter 3 indicates measures taken to highlight and acquire the necessary data gathering techniques that were used for this research to provide some answers to the queries raised. Chapter 4 delves in ways of promoting further the role of the European Ombudsman per se. The present European Ombudsman was interviewed at the European Parliament in Strasbourg during September 2011. A video of this interview is attached to the dissertation. Chapter 5 includes interviews with the Maltese Parliamentary Ombudsman and Maltese Members of Parliament in order to get their views and thoughts on the office of the European Ombudsman in relation to improving citizens' rights. Chapter 5 further examines an actual case study which regarded 'Members of European Union Parliament Expenditure', whereby citizens are able to have their say and query in the on goings in the European institutions. Chapter 6 provides a conclusion to this study whereby the present role of the European Ombudsman must be seen to move forward in the near and distant future, especially more so in these hard times of outstanding measures that that the EU citizens are forcing.