On Tuesday, six candidates competed to become the next EU Ombudsman, tasked with investigating maladministration in EU institutions. Representatives from Austria, Portugal, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Italy presented their cases to the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee. This hearing precedes secret ballots scheduled for mid-December.
The chosen candidate will replace Ireland’s Emily O’Reilly, who served for over a decade. The role focuses on addressing citizen complaints and ensuring accountability in Brussels.
Few Policy Commitments, Varied Experience
During the eight-hour hearing, candidates shared ideas but made few concrete promises. Portugal’s Teresa Anjinho highlighted the need to modernize the EU’s freedom of information law. Italy’s Marino Fardelli suggested a case-tracking app and proposed a universal cybersecurity right alongside sanction powers for the Ombudsman.
Despite these proposals, most candidates emphasized continuity, reflecting O’Reilly’s popularity in Parliament. Managing individual complaints, rather than drafting policies, defines the ombudsman’s role.
Candidates showcased diverse backgrounds. Reinier van Zutphen (Netherlands), Anjinho, and Fardelli brought ombudsman experience, while Italy’s Emilio De Capitani cited 25 years in EU administration. Estonia’s Julia Laffranque emphasized legal expertise, and Austria’s Claudia Mahler pitched her outsider perspective, claiming it offered fresh insights.
Political Overtones and Linguistic Flair
Although apolitical in principle, the selection process involves political maneuvering. Candidates sought support from Parliament’s political groups in private meetings. De Capitani openly supported EU integration, while Laffranque stressed her bipartisan appeal.
Anjinho, with ties to Portugal’s center-right CDS-PP party, faced questions about her neutrality. She emphasized her impartiality and cross-party support to counter these concerns.
Language played an unusual role in the hearings. While most candidates spoke in English, Italy’s Fardelli used passionate Italian, prompting mixed reactions. Some, like Laffranque, offered abstract answers, blending legal jargon with metaphorical phrasing.
Next Steps
The ombudsman’s role bridges EU institutions and citizens. As candidates demonstrated fluency in institutional language, their ability to connect with ordinary Europeans remains a key question. Secret ballots in December will determine who takes on this critical watchdog position.
