The annual European Network of Ombudsmen Conference 2019, focusing on citizens’ involvement in the democratic process, took place in Brussels.

Bulgaria’s ombudsman Maya Manolova stated that there is a lot of red tape involved in civic participation,which makes it difficult to put through and gave as an example the elimination of double standards of food quality. After 3 whole years of efforts victory is still a long way off, said Maya Manolova and urged all MEPs to support the introduction of a ban on double standards in food quality next week. In her words it is a battle by citizens against the colossal economic interests of multinational companies.