Hybrid (digital and on-site) conference.

European Parliament – Louise Weiss building – Room LOW S1.4
Winston Churchill entrance, Avenue du Président Robert Schuman, 67070 Strasbourg, France

The war in Ukraine has created millions of refugees looking for safe haven throughout the EU. In response, the EU for the first time activated the Temporary Protection Directive to offer quick assistance to people fleeing Ukraine. The Directive allows for access to accommodation, employment, health care and education in Member States.

Ombudsmen are in a key position to monitor how national governments are dealing with refugees. In this conference, organised by the Offices of European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly and French Ombudsman Claire Hédon, speakers in the first session will discuss how national policies are working on the ground, where improvements can be made and what measures could be replicated elsewhere.

The pandemic has greatly accelerated the digitalisation of many aspects of people’s lives, bringing many advantages but also challenges. The second session will discuss the extent to which public administrations have taken the needs and rights of citizens into account during this digitalisation process.

The European Network of Ombudsmen (ENO) was established in 1996 and connects the European Ombudsman, national and regional ombudsmen as well as the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions. The Network is coordinated by the European Ombudsman.