Article 1

The regulations and general conditions governing the performance of the Ombudsman's duties shall be as laid down by this Decision in accordance with Article 138e (4) of the Treaty establishing the European CommunityF1, Article 20d (4) of the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community and Article 107d (4) of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community.

The Ombudsman shall perform his duties in accordance with the powers conferred on the Community institutions and bodies by the Treaties.

The Ombudsman may not intervene in cases before courts or question the soundness of a court's ruling.