The award recognises actions by the EU public administration that have a visible and direct positive impact on the lives of citizens, and the Commission won with its project ‘Bringing citizens home during the pandemic', together with another project by the EEAS. The SURE instrument was awarded the prize for the category ‘excellence in citizen-focused services delivery’. Launched last year in a tangible expression of EU solidarity, SURE has been a crucial element of the EU's comprehensive strategy to protect citizens and mitigate the socio-economic impact of the pandemic. So far, it has benefitted up to a total of 30 million workers, helping keep people employed and ensuring a faster recovery from the pandemic. Through the SURE programme, the EU has already provided a total of around €90 billion to 19 Member States. President von der Leyen said: “I am delighted to shine a light on the good work of the EU administration. All EU institutions should be open and beyond reproach on ethics, transparency and integrity. This past year has tested colleagues to deliver quality services under challenging conditions, but they have risen to the challenge and delivered creative solutions. I am honoured that the Commission won the European Ombudsman Award for Good Administration”.