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Transparency Watchdog: Guarding the Law and Independent from Politics? The Relationship between the European Ombudsman and the European Parliament
[journal article]
Abstract
This article investigates whether the European Ombudsman acts as an 'independent' institution vis-à-vis the European Parliament (EP). This is a relevant question because while the Ombudsman is appointed by and reports to the EP, it can also conduct inquiries into the work of the EP, in instances of ... view more
This article investigates whether the European Ombudsman acts as an 'independent' institution vis-à-vis the European Parliament (EP). This is a relevant question because while the Ombudsman is appointed by and reports to the EP, it can also conduct inquiries into the work of the EP, in instances of alleged maladministration. Based on the empirical examination of all decisions following an inquiry by the Ombudsman in cases against the EP for an eleven-year period (2004-2015), plus the review of two recent landmark own-initiative inquiries, we inductively construct three roles played by the Ombudsman in relation to the EP, namely: 'arbitrator', 'transparency watchdog', and 'vessel for civil society concerns'. These roles are used to operationalize the concept of independence. We conclude that the Ombudsman acts independently and is not a mere auxiliary organ of the European legislature. This is most apparent in the 'transparency watchdog' role, where the European Ombudsman has ensured the release of information empowering citizens to hold the Parliament accountable, or - failing that - has stimulated debate concerning such information (for instance, on the MEPs' financial allowances) both within the Parliament itself and in the wider public domain.... view less
Keywords
EU; democracy; European Parliament; transparency; information policy; citizens' participation
Classification
European Politics
Free Keywords
European Ombudsman
Document language
English
Publication Year
2017
Page/Pages
p. 40-50
Journal
Politics and Governance, 5 (2017) 3
Issue topic
EU Institutional Politics of Secrecy and Transparency in Foreign Affairs
ISSN
2183-2463
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed