Information in Maltese on Euro ombudsman's website

The European ombudsman's website has been updated to provide information in a number of new languages, including Maltese.

This makes the ombudsman one of the first EU institutions to offer information in the Maltese language on his website.

The European ombudsman, Jacob Söderman, announced that he has included Maltese and other new official languages of the applicant countries.

A document entitled "A Guide to the European Ombudsman" covers the role of the European ombudsman and gives samples of cases he has dealt with.

This includes how an EU citizen may lodge a complaint with the ombudsman, and details about the role and power of the ombudsman.

Commenting on the development, Mr Söderma said: "I want citizens from the applicant countries to know what services we can provide for them upon accession".

The European ombudsman investigates and reports on maladministration in the institutions and bodies of the European Union, such as the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. Only the Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance acting in their judicial role do not fall within his jurisdiction. The ombudsman usually conducts inquiries on the basis of complaints but can also launch inquiries on his own initiative.

Any citizen of the EU or any natural or legal person residing or having its registered office in a member state can lodge a complaint with the ombudsman by mail, fax or e-mail. A complaint form is available from the ombudsman's office and may also be downloaded from the ombudsman's website.

The institution of the European ombudsman was created by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992. The European Parliament elected the first ombudsman, Jacob Söderman, former ombudsman and Minister of Justice in Finland, in 1995. The European Parliament re-elected Mr Söderman in October 1999 for a new five-year term.

"A guide to the European ombudsman" in the applicant country languages may be found in Maltese by clicking on the appropriate language bar at: http://www.euro-ombudsman.eu.int/home/en/default.htm