An Ombudsman for the Europeans: gradually moving towards effective dispute resolution between citizens and public administrations

This article provides a preliminary report about the activity of the European Ombudsman, established for en-couraging control on the part of the citizens over the Community''s public administration. In the framework of public institutions, the ombudsman has proved to be an extremely effective instrument, so much so that its principles and guidelines are now also spreading to large private organisations. The institution of the European Ombudsman also testifies to a general trend towards adding to the public-controlled approach of the traditional systems of dispute treatment, by reappraising mediation. Even though the view adopted is far from putting too much emphasis on definitions, it also calls for an updating of the useful and successful formula of ADR, with the more appropriate “EDR” (Effective Dispute Resolution).