Quasi-judicial review: The European Ombudsman as an alternative to the European Courts

The European Ombudsman is not a judge, but it is possible to compare the decisions of the current Ombudsman, Mr Jacob Söderman, to the Judgments of the Court of First Instance (CFI). This should not be surprising, in view of the Ombudsman's intended role within the EU. From the citizens' point of view, it should be welcomed. It will be argued that the Ombudsman offers a credible alternative to the CFI, particularly when EU Institutions refuse to grant access to documents in their possession; that this helps to ensure the social legitimacy of the EU; and that the Ombudsman's experience has a positive implication for single-Judge Chambers of the CFI.