Editing European Ombudsman (section)

== European Ombudsman procedures ==
The European Ombudsman can conduct inquiries following the receipt of a complaint as well as on their own initiative. Using powers conferrer by the Statue of the European Ombudsman,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2021/1163 of the European Parliament of 24 June 2021 laying down the regulations and general conditions governing the performance of the Ombudsman's duties (Statute of the European Ombudsman) and repealing Decision 94/262/ECSC, EC, Euratom |url=http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1163/oj}}</ref> the Ombudsman can require the institution concerned  to provide information, inspect the document held by the institution and testimony from officials.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=European Ombudsman |date=2020 |title=Putting it Right? Report. How the EU institutions responded to the Ombudsman in 2019 |url=https://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/en/doc/follow-up/en/135909 |website=European Ombudsman}}</ref>

The European Ombudsman complements the work of the courts, as it offers an alternative way for citizens to resolve disputes with the EU administration, without incurring costs such as lawyers or fees. However, the European Ombudsman has no power to make legally binding decisions, so it can only act as a moderator in disputes.

Whenever the Ombudsman finds maladministration, they can make problem-solving proposals, recommendations and suggestions. The main way in which the European Ombudsman tries to a problem is by proposing a '''solution''',<ref>Article 2 of the Statute</ref>  that both the complainant and the institution concerned would be willing to accept. This method may result in a quick and positive outcome for the complainant. However, this method is less effective when it comes to driving systemic change in the public interest.<ref>{{Cite web |last=European Ombudsman |date=2014 |title=Putting it Right? Report. How the EU institutions responded to the Ombudsman in 2013 |url=https://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/en/doc/follow-up/en/135909 |website=European Ombudsman}}</ref> If the institution rejects the proposed solution, the European Ombudsman can proceed to the powers of Article 4 of the Statute and draft '''recommendations''' for the institution concerned. These recommendations are published on the Ombudsman's website, publicity and raising public attention to the maladministration identified.<ref>''Ibid.''</ref> To address the issue the European Ombudsman can choose to publish '''suggestions for improvements''', for the institution concerned.<ref>Article 1(4) of the Statute.</ref> These public suggestions help identify problems and suggest corrections that can create systemic improvements for the public interest.  If, at the end of an investigation, an institution rejects the Ombudsman's final findings or recommendations, the Ombudsman can criticise it publicly, highlighting the importance of the issue, and can also make a special report to the European Parliament.

Many of the complaints sent to the European Ombudsman are outside of its mandate. In 2023, the European Ombudsman processed 1,506 outside the mandate complaints. The highest number of out of mandate complaints came from Spain, Poland and Germany. 

The European Ombudsman tries to reply to all complaints submitted, even the ones outside the mandate. In those cases, the European Ombudsman helps complainants by explaining the Ombudsman's mandate and, advising about other bodies  to whom they can  direct their complaint. If the complainant agrees, the European Ombudsman can also forward the complaint to members of the European Network of Ombudsmen (ENO).