Ombudsman: citizens’ rights must be priority

Date: 12/12/02

By Martin Banks

EUROPEAN Ombudsman Jacob Söderman says the priority for any future constitutional treaty should be safeguarding citizens' fundamental rights.

In a conference speech, the Finn said: "The best way forward would be to make it possible for the EU to adhere to international human rights conventions and to make the Charter of Fundamental Rights binding wherever EU laws are applied."

Söderman is an observer to the Convention on the future of Europe, which is expected to produce a new treaty in June. Addressing the one-day citizens' rights seminar in Brussels, he insisted that effective remedies be clearly established in the treaty for when the law is not followed.

"Citizens want European law to be correctly applied and fundamental rights to be respected at all levels of the Union. The available remedies should make it as easy as possible for citizens to obtain justice."

Söderman, who is due to step down next April, was speaking at a conference last Friday organised by the European Forum of Citizens Advice Services.

Meanwhile, the Committee of Regions has urged the Convention to ensure the treaty recognises the role of local and regional government in EU decision-making.

Claus Larsen-Jensen, chairman of the Europe committee of the Danish parliament, said: "Until the Maastricht Treaty, local and regional government was not even mentioned at all in the treaties. Far too often, local and regional authorities are lumped together with the NGO sector. Let's remember that 70 of EU legislation is implemented by elected local and regional authorities.

"They must be given a greater role if we are to make a reality of the oft-repeated aim of bringing the EU closer to the citizen."

European Ombudsman Jacob Söderman says the priority for any future constitutional treaty should be safeguarding citizens' fundamental rights.