The Parliamentary Ombudsman participates in the European Network of Ombudsmen meeting held in Malaga

The Parliamentary Ombudsman participates in the European Network of Ombudsmen meeting held in Malaga

Published January 12, 2026

A meeting of liaison officers of the European Network of Ombudsmen is being held in Malaga on 12 and 13 January 2026. The meeting is co organised by the Andalusian Ombudsman and the European Ombudsman.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, is invited to address a session on the conclusions of the workshop on environmental complaints held during the ENO conference in Brussels in November 2025.

The opening of the two day meeting took place at Malaga City Town Hall, Salón de los Espejos. Welcome addresses were delivered by Francisco de la Torre, Mayor of Malaga, Jesús Maeztu, Acting Andalusian Ombudsman, Ángel Gabilondo, Ombudsman of Spain, and Teresa Anjinho, European Ombudswoman.

In his address, the Mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre underlined that transparency and honesty in governance are fundamental to the work of ombudsman institutions. Drawing on his experience as mayor, he stressed the importance of education and an informed public in strengthening democratic life and welcomed delegates to Malaga for two days of discussion in the public interest.

The Acting Andalusian Ombudsman, Jesús Maeztu highlighted the role of ombudsman institutions in protecting rights, particularly those of vulnerable persons, before problems become entrenched. He emphasised social justice and independence as core values and described the meeting as a contribution to strengthening democracy.

The Ombudsman of Spain, Ángel Gabilondo focused on the importance of coordination and cooperation within the Network. He underlined the value of dialogue and shared experience in understanding the context in which ombudsmen operate and called for decisive and fearless action in the defence of rights.

The European Ombudswoman, Teresa Anjinho noted that Malaga’s tradition of bringing people together reflects the role of the ombudsman as a bridge between the public and institutions. She referred to emerging challenges in 2026 and stressed the need to translate discussions within the Network into concrete action to protect people’s rights and promote good administration.

The meeting continued with its first working session held at the Centre Pompidou. The session opened with a presentation by Prof Dr Mariolina Eliantonio of Maastricht University on access to justice in composite procedures related to the implementation of EU rule of law requirements.

Discussions focused on possible parallel investigations by ombudsman institutions. These included regional inquiries into environmental law, cooperation on social security issues affecting EU mobile citizens, and existing forms of collaboration among Scandinavian ombudsmen.

Participants also explored potential parallel inquiries involving the European Ombudsman and national or regional ombudsmen. Topics discussed include fundamental rights monitoring in border procedures under EU asylum legislation, redress mechanisms in the application of EU law, the use of EU funds in relation to the rights of persons with disabilities, compliance with the right to good administration under Article 41 of the EU Charter, data sharing within the Schengen Information System, food safety oversight, accountability in asylum interviews, and the protection of the right to a healthy environment.