Building Trust, Driving Change: The European Ombudsman’s Strategy 2025–2029 and its shared vision with Malta

Building Trust, Driving Change: The European Ombudsman’s Strategy 2025–2029 and its shared vision with Malta

Published November 14, 2025

The European Ombudsman has launched the new Strategy for 2025–2029, setting the tone for the next five years of oversight across European Union institutions. The strategy, published by European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho, places the principles of trust, fairness, and constructive dialogue at the centre of her mandate.

The document outlines four main objectives that define the Ombudsman’s work for the coming years:

1. Empower persons by ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld.
2. Effect positive change by promoting fairness, integrity, transparency, and trust in EU administration.
3. Strengthen partnerships through closer cooperation with national Ombudsmen, the European Parliament, and civil society.
4. Foster operational excellence through innovation, digital tools, and responsiveness.

These priorities reflect a clear shift towards bridge-building rather than confrontation, a philosophy that closely aligns with the approach adopted by Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, who has often reiterated his preference for a bridge-building approach aimed at giving a voice to the voiceless and improving public services.

A shared vision of constructive oversight

In line the European Ombudsman, Judge Zammit McKeon has consistently stressed the importance of dialogue, persuasion, and trust in ensuring justice and accountability. He has often emphasised that the Ombudsman’s effectiveness is measured not by conflict with the public authorities but by its capacity to build bridges and deliver fair outcomes.

In the same spirit, the European Ombudsman’s new strategy explicitly aims to “foster constructive dialogue with EU institutions and stakeholders,” recognising that long-term reform is best achieved when oversight institutions are seen as partners in good governance rather than adversaries.

Trust as the foundation of accountability

Both Ombuds institutions regard trust as the cornerstone of their mission. The European Ombudsman’s vision, to be “a trusted defender of rights and of the principles that underpin democratic governance”, reinforces Malta’s commitment to rebuilding and maintaining public confidence in State institutions.

Judge Zammit McKeon has constantly observed that an Ombudsman’s moral authority and independence are the true sources of influence. The strength of both Offices lies in credibility, fairness, and the ability to encourage institutions to act justly.

Driving change through cooperation

The European Ombudsman’s goal of strengthening partnerships includes deeper engagement with the European Network of Ombudsmen (ENO), which brings together national and regional Ombudsmen across Europe to share best practices and address cross-border issues.

In the coming week, the Office of the Ombudsman of Malta will be participating in the ENO meeting in Brussels, held under the theme “Upholding a Rights-Based Europe.” Judge Zammit McKeon will be acting as moderator of the panel “Sharing Ombudsman Experience in Dealing with Environmental Complaints.”

This participation reflects Malta’s active role in the European ombudsman community and its alignment with the EU’s broader vision, protecting rights, enhancing transparency, and reinforcing good governance through shared experience.