European officials, MEPs salute retiring ombudsman
Outgoing European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros was praised Thursday as MEPs reviewed the watchdog’s work during a plenary session of the European Parliament.
The Euro-deputies were reviewing the final annual report submitted to the Strasbourg Parliament by Diamandouros, who has been the EU’s ombudsman since 2003 and is retiring at the age of 71.
“Greece should be proud for the work done by Mr Nikiforos Diamandouros as the European Ombudsman,” said Viviane Reding, the European commissioner for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship.
“He served European citizens, promoting their rights with professionalism and competence. His exemplary role received the unanimous praise of all political groups in the European Parliament. Thank you for your service to the European citizens,” she added.
Ireland’s Emily O’Reilly will take over as the European Ombudsman, an office established in 1995 to deal with allegations of maladministration against EU institutions.