Annual report 2000

PUBLIC RELATIONS 2216 PUBLICRELATIONS6.1HIGHLIGHTS OFTHE YEARTHE OPEN DAY IN BRUSSELS AND STRASBOURGIn the context of “Europe Day”, the European Ombudsman participated in the annualOpen Day organised by the European Parliament. This event took place in Brussels on 6May and in Strasbourg on 7 and 8 May. The number of visitors in Brussels was slightlylower than in the previous years but Strasbourg saw more than 50’000 persons amongwhich a large number visited the Ombudsman’s stand. Staff from the Brussels andStrasbourg offices provided general information on the Ombudsman’s work and handedout brochures as well as annual reports.THE ANNUAL REPORT 1999The Annual Report of the European Ombudsman for the year 1999 was presented to theEuropean Parliament at its plenary session on 6 July 2000. The session was chaired byVice-President Guido PODESTÀ.Mr Söderman presenting his Annual Report for 1999 to the European Parliamenton 6 July, in the presence of Ms Loyola de Palacio.Mr SÖDERMAN’s speech to the plenary mainly focused on the ever increasing numberof complaints received by his office and on the positive results achieved for citizens.Emphasis was made on the constructive co-operation shown by the Community institutionsand bodies in trying to find satisfactory solutions to complaints.On behalf of the committee on petitions, MEP Jean LAMBERT welcomed theOmbudsman’s report. Other speakers including MEP Astrid THORS, the rapporteur forthe Ombudsman’s report, MEP Roy PERRY and MEP Nino GEMELLI, respectively vicepresident and chairman of the committee on petitions all congratulated the Ombudsmanfor his work and achievements. Ms Loyola de PALACIO, the responsible Member of theCommission also paid tribute to the Ombudsman’s work.