After more than a decade serving as the EU Ombudswoman, Emily O’Reilly will soon be stepping down from her role. During her time in office, she has worked tirelessly to make the governance of the bloc more transparent and accountable. However, O’Reilly believes that there is still more work to be done to ensure that the European Commission is open and transparent about the powers that influence it.
In a recent interview with Euronews, O’Reilly spoke about the challenges and accomplishments of her tenure, highlighting the importance of holding institutions accountable and accessible to all citizens. She discussed a recent Ombudsman inquiry into the Commission’s relaxation of rules related to the Common Agricultural Policy, emphasizing the need for all interested parties to be heard in decision-making processes.
The Ombudsman’s office plays a crucial role in ensuring that the EU’s institutions and agencies act in the public interest. O’Reilly stressed the importance of her successor continuing to fulfill this mandate and remain vigilant in monitoring the European administration. She emphasized that the Ombudsman’s office is not just a small entity dealing with minor complaints, but rather a significant watchdog overseeing the entire European administration.
Throughout her time as EU Ombudswoman, O’Reilly has worked to create a culture that values the voices of all citizens in decision-making processes. She noted that there has been progress in making key decision-makers more accessible and accountable to the public, thanks to the work of her office, the media, and civil society. However, O’Reilly acknowledged that challenges still exist, and issues must be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
As O’Reilly prepares to leave her role, she leaves behind a legacy of advocating for transparency, accountability, and accessibility within the European Union. Her dedication to ensuring that all voices are heard in matters of public interest has helped to shape a more open and accountable governance structure within the EU. As her successor prepares to take over, O’Reilly’s advice to continue fulfilling the important watchdog role of the Ombudsman’s office will be crucial in maintaining the progress made during her tenure.
