The European Union provides many benefits to EU citizens, residents, businesses, and associations. Nationals of EU Member States are also EU citizens, and enjoy a range of rights as a result of European citizenship. You may encounter problems, however, when it comes to exercising your rights.

Ever wondered who could help you? It may not always be clear whether the problem is caused by the EU administration, the authorities of a Member State, or a private entity. Even if you do know who is at fault, it may not be obvious where you can turn for help. In a Union based on the fundamental principle of the rule of law, it is of vital importance that there should be a quick and effective remedy for any problems you encounter in obtaining your rights.

The European Ombudsman has produced this brochure to give you an overview of the different information, advice, and complaint-handling bodies that you might consider turning to. To help you better understand how each of the bodies listed can help you, we have included, within each section, examples of the type of help the body concerned can provide.

A comprehensive interactive guide is also available on the European Ombudsman’s website to help you identify the most appropriate body to turn to with a complaint or request for information.