European Ombudsman. Annual report 2001

The European Parliament adopted the resolution by Eurig WYN (United Kingdom, Green/ALE.) and congratulated the Ombudsman on being awarded the 2001 Alexis de Tocqueville Prize and the outstanding way he has established the role of the Ombudsman. In examining cases of maladministration and in enforcing the right of citizens to good administration, the principles enshrined in the European Code of Good Administrative Behaviour should always be applied. Parliament regrets the failure of the Commission to apply the Code. The Commission is also asked to reconsider, when applying Regulation 1049/2001 on access to documents, its interpretation of "purpose of infringement procedure." Finally, Parliament asks the Commission to consider again its position on Article 3(2) of the Ombudsman's Statute, notably Member States' and third parties' right to deny the Ombudsman and Parliament access to information. It also wants a review of the limits defended by the Commission regarding the duty of officials to give truthful testimony to the Ombudsman in the course of his enquiries.�