Soldiers from Union Member States deployed in CSDP missions can direct any complaints concerning their individual and financial rights to the EU Ombudsman, having first addressed the structures in their own country. This was the answer sent from the office of High Representative/Vice President Catherine Ashton to a question from the Romanian ALDE MEP, Norica Nicolai (PNL).

As vice-chairwoman of the Subcommittee for Security and Defence in the European Parliament, Norica Nicolai has been following the case and meeting with representatives of military personnel both in Romania and at European level, with EUROMIL (The European Organization of Military Associations). They have been repeatedly asking for clarification on this matter, as it was unclear who has the authority to deal with complaints from national military personnel deployed in joint operations.

Catherine Ashton has clarified this issue, declaring that the European Ombudsman can receive complaints related to legal issues of military personnel, which will be addressed in close cooperation with the European External Action Service. However, the plaintiff must ensure to have exhausted all other levels: the national command of his deployed contingent, the mission command structures or the national authorities dealing with the rights of the military.

"Since 2003, soldiers all over Europe have been active participants in EU military and civilian missions, contributing to the CSDP goals in places such as Bosnia, Kosovo or off the coast of Somalia. Like many other partners, the EU has helped through its soldiers to foster peace and stability in several theatres, and it seems only right for the Union to protect the rights of the women and men serving the EU's interests abroad", said Norica Nicolai.