The Office of the European Ombudsman, the Law Department and the School of Transnational Governance of the European University Institute are holding an academic seminar on 17-18 November in Florence, Italy to discuss the evolving role of the European Ombudsman.

The seminar will bring together academics and other experts to consider how the Ombudsman has shaped the debate on ethics and accountability standards in the EU administration and how it can continue to do so in the future.

The various panels will discuss how the Ombudsman's role has developed over the years, how the Ombudsman’s ‘soft’ power can encourage positive change, and the role of transparency in achieving accountability in the EU institutions.

Based on a call for academic papers, there will also be a discussion on new challenges and opportunities for the Ombudsman in monitoring specific policy areas or specific EU bodies.