The Institution International Cooperation

The European Union, the Council of Europe and the Government of the Netherlands consider that the existence of an ombudsman institution in newly democratic states is an important contribution to their further democratic development. For this reason, the Dutch National Ombudsman wishes to apply the knowledge and experience gained since its establishment in 1982 to help recently established ombudsman offices in newly democratic states. This is done in the form of cooperation projects. These projects are based on the assumption that there is not one single model for an ombudsman institution, but rather that it can take many forms. It is not the point to transfer the Dutch model. The cooperation focuses on identifying the most appropriate form for the office in the country or region concerned, without undermining the fundamental characteristics of an ombudsman institution, such as its complete independence.

Content of the cooperation project
Project financing
Sample project
Cooperative partnerships
Contact

Content of the cooperation project

In a joint effort with the foreign ombudsman office, the Dutch National Ombudsman sets up a project, which usually runs for approximately two years. During an initial meeting, both offices map out the extent to which cooperation is possible and desirable. In each case, the substance of the cooperation with a foreign ombudsman is unique, since it addresses the specific problems and needs of the institution concerned. The cooperation can take various forms. It can vary from advice on the organisational structure to the development of standard procedures, such as harmonising the complaints handling process. More sensitive issues such as establishing and maintaining credibility and, in some cases, finding a suitable ‘figurehead’ for the office can be important themes in a project. The fundamental principle in every cooperation project is, through workshops, lectures and training sessions, to assist the foreign institution in discovering its own best methods and options for structuring and organising its work.

Project financing

Once agreement on cooperation has been reached, the Dutch National Ombudsman and the foreign ombudsman office jointly develop a project plan, setting out concrete objectives and outcomes, and setting out the schedule and timeframe. This project plan then becomes a funding application, given that generally neither office has the means to finance the project by itself. Once the project plan has been approved and the financing is secured, the cooperation can begin.

Sample project

In the past few years, the National Ombudsman has cooperated intensively with a number of countries, exchanging both know-how and experience. One of those countries is Bulgaria, where the National Ombudsman initiated a project in 2006. Due to the broad range of topics covered during this project it provides a good illustration of the concrete substance of such projects.
For more information, see: Project Bulgaria

Cooperative partnerships

In principle, the National Ombudsman focuses its cooperative ventures on the following countries and regions:

Candidate EU member-states;
Prospective EU candidate states;
Countries eligible for funds from the European Neighbourhood Policy of the EC and from the Matra programme of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
Countries/regions with which the Netherlands has historic ties.

Contact