Mr P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, Ombudsman, visited EDA

The European Ombudsman, Mr P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, visited EDA on 24 May, for a meeting with . the European Defence Agency’s Chief Executive, Ms. Claude-France Arnould. This visit followed the formal adoption, by the Agency, of the European Code of Good Administrative Behaviour.

During this courtesy call, Ms. Arnould said that “by adopting the European Code of Good Administrative Behaviour, EDA demonstrates that it is a transparent and outward-facing organisation, which values the principles of good administration".

In November 2009, the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) recognized and certified EDA as an organisation “Committed to Excellence”, which also shows EDA’s commitments towards a greater level of business efficiency and excellence.

Code of Good Administrative Behaviour

On 22 February 2011, the EDA adopted the European Union inter-institutional Code of Good Administrative Behaviour, which lays down the principles that all members of its staff must respect in their relations with the public.

What is good administration?

Good administration is what members of the public are entitled to expect when they deal with a public body. It entails the respect of laws and procedures, especially the fundamental rights of citizens, and high quality services.

What is a code of good administrative behaviour?

A code of good administrative behaviour is a document which sets out the basic principles of good administration.

The code informs the staff of the rules they must follow in their relations with the public.

With the help of the code, members of the public know exactly how the Agency works and what rights they have in their dealings with the Agency.

The ultimate goal is to enhance the transparency of the administration, to ensure a better quality of the services provided and to bring the administration closer to the public.

For more information on the EU Code of Good Administrative Behaviour, see the website of European Ombudsman.