Findings, recommendations and closure of inquiries
Article 6
1. The Ombudsman may make suggestions for improvement in the course of an inquiry. 2. Where the Ombudsman finds no maladministration, a solution has been found or no further inquiries are justified, the inquiry shall be closed with a decision setting out findings. In the decision closing the inquiry, the Ombudsman may suggest improvements regarding issues identified in the course of the inquiry. The Ombudsman shall send the decision to the complainant and to the institution concerned. 3. Where the Ombudsman finds maladministration, the Ombudsman shall make any appropriate recommendation(s) to the institution concerned in accordance with Article 4(1) of the Statute and ask the institution concerned to provide an opinion on the recommendation(s) within three months. The opinion shall state whether the institution has implemented or intends to implement the recommendation(s) and, if so, how. The Ombudsman shall forward the opinion to the complainant, who may submit comments on it within one month. 4. The Ombudsman, after analysing the opinion of the institution concerned and any comments submitted by the complainant in accordance with paragraph 3, may close the inquiry setting out findings. Where the Ombudsman closes the inquiry with a finding of maladministration, the Ombudsman may reiterate any recommendation(s) previously made. 5. Where the Ombudsman becomes aware that the matter under investigation has become the subject of legal proceedings, the Ombudsman shall close the inquiry and inform the complainant and the institution.