In the presentation of the 2024 Annual Report, the Ombudsman, Ms. Erinda Ballanca, emphasized that the path towards membership in the European Union is not simply a political or economic process — but above all, a test of commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights.

The Ombudsman Institution is fully involved in the European integration process, contributing to every stage of it and being assessed by the European Union as an institution in line with European standards.

“The Ombudsman is an institution involved in the 360° integration process, and is considered in line with EU standards. But to be avant-garde, we have prepared a new draft law, which comes after an in-depth analysis of the needs identified by the European Union.”

This draft law aims to align with the Venice Principles for Ombudsmen and the Paris Principles for National Human Rights Institutions, as well as further strengthen the mandate of the institution, making the Ombudsman an even more powerful actor in the protection of citizens' rights and freedoms.

“European integration is a path that is also measured by the way we protect our citizens, by the respect we show for their rights,” said the Ombudsman.