European Ombudswoman meets the Ombudsman in Malta

European Ombudswoman meets the Ombudsman in Malta

Published October 17, 2025

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, met with the European Ombudswoman, Ms Teresa Anjinho, during her visit to Malta to address the International Ombudsman Conference commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Office of the Ombudsman.

The European Ombudswoman was one of the keynote speakers at the conference, which was held under the theme “Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times: The Role of the Ombudsman.”

In her address, Ms Anjinho explored the challenges of ensuring good governance in the current climate and the importance of strengthening citizens’ trust in public administration. Speaking from a European Union perspective, she reflected on the impact of recent geopolitical developments and crises on EU institutions, while underlining the importance of meaningful citizen participation in decision-making.

Drawing on examples from her Office’s inquiries, Ms Anjinho highlighted the need to maintain accountability and transparency standards even when there is pressure to simplify legislation or act swiftly. She emphasised that citizen-centred administrations must communicate clearly and openly, showing a willingness to explain decisions, anticipate concerns, and be proactively transparent.

During the meeting, Judge Zammit McKeon and Ms Anjinho discussed ways to strengthen the European Network of Ombudsmen (ENO) and enhance cooperation among national ombudsman institutions. The ENO has developed into a powerful platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among more than 95 offices in 36 European countries. It includes national and regional ombudsmen and similar bodies across EU Member States, candidate and EEA countries, as well as the European Ombudsman and the Committee on Petitions of the European Parliament.

The network promotes cooperation on case handling, sharing of best practices, and the organisation of seminars, meetings, and visits. The next ENO meeting will take place in Brussels on 20 November 2025.

The two Ombudsmen also exchanged views on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public administration, acknowledging both its potential and the challenges it presents to fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Judge Zammit McKeon thanked Ms Anjinho for visiting Malta and for her valuable contribution to the 30th Anniversary Conference, which brought together Ombudsman institutions and human rights defenders from across Europe, the Mediterranean and beyond.