Dear honoured guests – Heads of Institutions, Secretaries-General and Directors-General,

Dear colleagues and dear friends,

Welcome!

It is a great pleasure to be here, in the beautiful and historic Solvay Library, for the fifth edition of the European Ombudsman Award for Good Administration.

There is something symbolic about meeting in the Solvay Library. It reminds us that public institutions are at their best when they combine knowledge with purpose, and expertise with public service. Those are also the values embodied by the nominees and winners of today’s Award for Good Administration.

My first words go to the people behind each of the 48 nominated projects. Today is, above all, a celebration of your work – and of the very real difference that work makes in the lives of people across Europe and beyond.

This is my first time taking part in these Awards as European Ombudswoman. I still recall that, early in my mandate, one of the first decisions I was asked to make was whether this initiative should continue.

For me, there was never any doubt.

Because these Awards embody something essential about the role of the European Ombudsman. We are not only here to address maladministration when it occurs. We are also here to uphold and promote a culture of good administration – to recognise it, to encourage it, and to make it visible.

From the moment we launched the call for nominations, I looked forward to discovering the projects that would be put forward by EU institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies. And what I found was truly inspiring – is truly inspiring.

Forty-eight projects, each reflecting dedication, creativity, and a deep sense of public service.

Together, they tell a powerful story – a story of a European civil service that does not merely apply rules, but strives to serve people better. That does not stand still but anticipates challenges. That does not work in isolation, but builds bridges across institutions, Member States, and beyond.

They remind us that good administration is not an abstract principle. It is a daily practice – and a shared responsibility.

But they also show something more.

They show that European civil servants are not only guardians of values, but active contributors to the European project itself. Through your work, you help nurture trust, strengthen transparency, and foster a sense of belonging – the very essence of European citizenship.

A true Team EU performance worthy of the World Cup!

This is particularly evident in the public vote, whose winner we will announce shortly. The enthusiasm with which so many of you promoted your projects speaks not only to professional pride, but to a genuine commitment to engaging with citizens and bringing Europe closer to them.

In that sense, your work goes one step further. It does not only deliver good administration — it helps build a community.

Of course, having so many outstanding projects also made the selection process a difficult challenge. Picking the winners often felt like choosing between equally compelling examples of excellence.

I am therefore deeply grateful to the members of the Advisory Board - Georgina Wright, Claudia Monti, and Rareș Voicu - for their insight, dedication, and invaluable support.

Let me also thank everyone who submitted a nomination. By sharing your work, you are helping to shine a light on what good administration looks like in practice — and why it matters.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to my colleagues at the European Ombudsman’s Office, in particular Gundi, Head of our Communications Unit, and, through her, all those who contributed to making this initiative and today’s ceremony possible.

And finally, let me warmly thank Tony Murphy, President of the European Court of Auditors, for joining us today.

President Murphy, I now give you the floor.

Thank you.