The 2024 Complaints Mechanism Annual Report highlights the key achievements of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group's accountability mechanism in addressing public concerns related to EIB-financed projects and activities. With 113 cases handled and 80 closed in 2024 - a 33% increase from the...

When a publicly-traded company files for bankruptcy protection, its smallest investors — typically individual retail shareholders — may struggle to understand the nature of the proceedings and whether and to what extent they may participate in the case. Although shareholders increasingly...

This article explores the possible involvement of tax specialist ombudsmen in the mutual agreement procedure (MAP). With the current level of development of the MAP still facing criticism for a lack of efficiency and transparency, and the arbitration only being adopted by a handful of states,...

"This book provides a thorough and up-to-date account of what is state-of-the-art in the field of contracts relating to selected financial services such as insurance, loans and payments services. It also explores the resolution of disputes arising out of such contracts by ADR bodies in Europe,...

In the 2008 aftermath, the European Central Bank (ECB) acquired new mandates and policy instruments to assure financial stability. With growing powers, there is a correspondent demand for transparency of its decisions. This research presents an account on how and in which conditions the European...

Ombudsman institutions (OIs) act as the guardians of citizens’ rights and as a mediator between citizens and the public administration. While the very existence of such institutions is rooted in the notion of open government, the role they can play in promoting openness throughout the public...

Ombudsmen in OECD countries have a tradition which dates back to the 1960s. However, the establishment of SME-dedicated ombudsmen is a more recent trend which has developed along three main models: redress model; clearing house model; and advocacy model. Countries interested in introducing an...

The EU’s approach to fake news, as epitomised by the European External Action (EEAS) Service East Stratcom Disinformation Review, violates the rights to freedom of expression and due process of those accused of distributing disinformation. The EU Disinformation Review is a publication of the...