In a decisive move to enhance transparency and accountability within the European Union, the European Parliament has elected Teresa Anjinho as the new European Ombudsman for the 2025-2029 term. Anjinho, a distinguished Portuguese lawyer and former Deputy Ombudsman of Portugal, succeeds Emily O’Reilly, who has held the position since 2013.

A Competitive Selection Process

The election, held during the December plenary session in Strasbourg, followed a rigorous selection process. The Committee on Petitions (PETI) conducted public hearings on December 3, 2024, where six candidates presented their visions for the Ombudsman‘s role. The candidates included:

• Teresa Anjinho (Portugal): Former Deputy Portuguese Ombudsman.
• Emilio De Capitani (Italy): Former European Parliament official.
• Marino Fardelli (Italy): Ombudsman of the Lazio region.
• Julia Laffranque (Estonia): Former judge of the European Court of Human Rights.
• Claudia Mahler (Austria): Human rights expert.
• Reinier van Zutphen (Netherlands): Ombudsman of the Netherlands.

Each candidate outlined their priorities, ranging from enhancing communication and human rights awareness to strengthening trust between EU institutions and citizens. Anjinho emphasized effective communication, human rights awareness, and empowering individual complaints, which resonated with the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

The Role of the European Ombudsman

Established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1995, the European Ombudsman investigates complaints of maladministration within EU institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies. The Ombudsman plays a crucial role in ensuring that EU institutions adhere to principles of good administration, thereby upholding citizens’ rights under the EU Treaties and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The position is pivotal in maintaining transparency, accountability, and trust between EU institutions and the public.

Anjinho’s Vision for the Future

Anjinho’s appointment comes at a time when the EU is striving to strengthen its democratic processes and enhance citizen engagement. Her commitment to launching strategic own-initiative inquiries and fostering partnerships with national ombudsmen’s offices, academic institutions, and civil society representatives is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Ombudsman’s office. Anjinho aims to build upon the work of her predecessors, focusing on proactive measures to address systemic issues and improve the quality of EU administration.

Looking Ahead

As Anjinho prepares to assume her duties on January 1, 2025, European civil society and politicians anticipate a continuation of the Ombudsman’s essential work in promoting transparency and accountability within the EU. Her tenure is expected to further bridge the gap between EU institutions and citizens, ensuring that the principles of good administration are upheld across all EU bodies.

For more information on the European Ombudsman and the recent election, visit the official European Parliament Think Tank document. European Parliament