Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2023

Tabled by Gordan Bosanac

Added: 13a. Highlights the fact that the Ombudsman’s inquiry in case OI/3/2023/MHZ concerning the role of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) in search and rescue operations has shown the existence of severe shortcomings in complying with the obligation to protect fundamental rights as well as the duty to save lives at sea; stresses that this inquiry was launched by the Ombudsman following the Adriana shipwreck in June 2023, which resulted in over 600 people drowning off the coast of Greece; endorses the Ombudsman’s suggestions aimed at ensuring that Frontex complies with its fundamental rights obligations with regard to search and rescue in the context of its maritime surveillance activities; supports the Ombudsman’s call on Parliament, the Council and the Commission to establish an independent commission of inquiry to assess the reasons for the large numbers of deaths in the Mediterranean Sea and make the necessary changes to prevent any tragic loss of life from reoccurring;

Wording as published by the EP, in English. PE766.535v01-00