Application of Community law: relations with the complainant in respect of infringements

The European Parliament adopted the resolution drafted by Janelly FOURTOU (EPP-ED, France) on relations with the complainant in infringements of Community law. Parliament welcomed the Commission communication and commended the provision of information to citizens about the stage reached in the processing of their complaints. The on-year delay is a reasonable one, within which the Commission must reach a decision and notify the complainants. Parliament did note that the procedures for considering the various complaints lodged by European citizens are the responsibility of different services, between which there is no coordination. The separate nature of these procedures causes particular difficulties in the case of complainants lodging a complaint with the Commission, and a petition with the European Parliament, concerning the same grievances. Also, there is a need to clarify the procedure to be followed in cases of manifest disagreement between the institutions regarding the substance of a complaint. This includes the situation where Parliament has endorsed a recommendation by the Ombudsman, which has not been recognised as valid by another institution. An interinstitutional agreement is required which would make it possible to achieve this essential coordination between all the Community bodies and institutions in relation to complaints and petitions, in the interests of Europe's citizens and with a view to ensuring efficient cooperation between Community institutions.�