Press Release: Ombudsman finds no evidence of confidentiality breach by the Commission in Ryanair/Aer Lingus case

The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, found no evidence that the European Commission breached confidentiality during its review of Ryanair's planned takeover of Aer Lingus. This follows a complaint from Ryanair, alleging that the Commission had improperly disclosed highly sensitive information provided to it by Ryanair. During his investigation, the Ombudsman found that leaks to the press had indeed taken place, but concluded that they could not be attributed to the Commission. The Ombudsman criticised the Commission, however, for an inadequate Confidentiality Declaration it used during its review of the proposed merger. Third parties, such as Aer Lingus, were asked to sign this Declaration when the Commission sent them sensitive information received from Ryanair. The Ombudsman also asked the Commission to improve cooperation with national competition authorities to ensure that confidential documents sent to them are not leaked.