As a citizen or permanent resident of an EU country, you have rights if you live, work or do business in other EU countries. If you have a problem or complaint on any of these rights, the best place to start in many cases is at the national level in the country of the concerned service, government administration or business.
Although you will normally be able to better enforce your rights in your country of residence, the European Union also offers resources that may be able to help you, particularly if it relates to an issue with an EU institution.
At the national level
Examines complaints from people who feel they have been unfairly treated by a public service provider, including government departments, local authorities, the HSE, nursing homes and publicly funded third level education bodies.
Find an ombudsman in another EU country
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
An independent public body which works to protect and promote human rights and equality; and build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding.
Find an equality body in another EU country
An informal network created to solve problems which EU citizens or businesses are experiencing with the public administrations of EU member countries and Internal Market rights.
Make a SOLVIT complaint in another EU country
European Consumer Centre Ireland
Helps to settle complaints between consumers and traders based in different EU countries, as well as in Norway, Iceland and the United Kingdom.
Find a European Consumer Centre (ECC) in another EU country
Irish Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman
Enhances the financial services and pensions environment, by using its powers to resolve disputes in a way which is fair, transparent and accessible.
Find a financial dispute resolution network (FIN-NET) in another EU country
At the EU level
An independent and impartial body, which holds the EU’s institutions and agencies to account, by investigating complaints from people, businesses and organisations.
Petitions to the European Parliament
Individuals or groups of EU residents, and organisations headquartered in the EU can submit a complaint, request or observation to the European Parliament related to the application of EU law.
Submit a complaint to the European Commission
The Commission can take up a complaint if it concerns a breach of EU law by authorities in an EU country. If a complaint is about the action of an individual or private company, it should be dealt with at the national level.
Contact information and how to submit complaints for issues related to unfair competition, unfair government support for competitors or issues with public authorities in other EU countries.
General EU information
Provides practical information and common EU rules on living and doing business in the EU, including the ‘Your Europe Advice’ service if you can’t find the information you are looking for.
Call and write to, or meet with the EU in Ireland, and all other EU countries. The call service is available in all EU languages, including Irish.