Between 6–9 June 2024, millions of Europeans will shape the future of European democracy by participating in the European elections.

Voters will decide which Members of the European Parliament will represent European citizens in preparing new laws alongside the member states, and help determine who runs the European Commission.

The European Union plays an ever- increasing role in determining our collective future and particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Geopolitical challenges and the proposed enlargement of the Union means its role and influence will continue to evolve and grow.

Consequently, we, Ombudsmen and Chairs of Petition Committees,

Reaffirm our commitment to a democratic, transparent and accountable European Union that respects fundamental rights and values.

Reiterate our belief that a strong electoral mandate is an essential part of the democratic accountability of the Union.

Urge all eligible European citizens to exercise their fundamental right to democratic participation and to vote in the upcoming elections.

Recall that such rights should not be taken for granted and that the health of our democratic institutions require continual reinforcement through strong civic engagement.

EU Emily O'Reilly, European Ombudsman

EU Dolors Montserrat, Chair of the Committee on Petitions, European Parliament

AT Dr Doris Winkler-Hofer, Landesvolksanwältin (Tirol)

BE Jérôme Aass & David Baele, Médiateur féderal & federale Ombudsman

BE Catherine De Bruecker, Ombudsman of the Brussels-Capital Region

BE Marlene Hardt, Ombudsdienst der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft Belgiens

BE Marc Bertrand, Médiateur de la Wallonie et de la Féderation Wallonie-Bruxelles

CS Maria Stylianou - Lottides, Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman)

DE Martina Stamm-Fibich, Vorsitzende, Petitionsausschuss (Bundestag)

DE Beate Böhlen, Bürgerbeauftragte des Landes Baden-Württemberg

DE Dr Alexander Oerke, Der Bürger- und Polizeibeauftragte des Landes Berlin

EL Andreas Pottakis, Synigoros, President of the AOM

ES Ángel Gabilondo Pujol, Defensor del pueblo

ES Esther Giménez-Salinas i Colomer, Sindica de Greuges de Cataluña

ES Patxi Vera Donazar, Defensor del Pueblo de Navarra - Nafarroako Arartekoa

ES Manuel Lezertua Rodríguez, Ararteko Defensor del Pueblo del País Vasco

ES Ángel Luna González, Síndic de Greuges de la Comunitat Valenciana

FI Petri Jääskeläinen, eduskunnan oikeusasiamies

FI Tuomas Pöysti, valtioneuvoston oikeuskansleri

HR Tena Šimonović Einwalter, Pravobraniteljica

HU Dr Ákos Kozma, Alapvető Jogok Biztosa

IE Ger Deering, Ombudsman

IT Marino Fardelli, Presidente del Coordinamento nazionale dei Difensori civici italiani e Difensore Civico del Lazio

IT Adele Squillaci, Difensora civica della Valle d'Aosta - Médiatrice de la Région autonome Vallée d'Aoste

MT Judge Emeritus Dr Joseph Zammit McKeon, Ombudsman

RO Renate Weber, Avocatul Poporului

SL Peter Svetina, Varuh človekovih pravic