The Public Defender echoes the information publicly released by Reformer Fitness LLC and states that discrimination on any grounds is prohibited in Georgia, and the Public Defender of Georgia, as the institution supervising the elimination of discrimination, will examine the applications of all persons who consider themselves victims of discrimination. In addition, in the process of fully examining the case, the Office will provide information to the respondent and request relevant information.

The principle of non-discrimination also applies to private institutions that offer services to customers. The Anti-Discrimination Law clearly explains that the principle of equal treatment applies to the provision of publicly available goods and services.

In addition, it is noteworthy that as a result of the Association Agreement concluded with the European Union in 2014, the Parliament of Georgia adopted the Law of Georgia on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination, which represents a consolidated mechanism for the legislative implementation of the principle of non-discrimination enshrined in Article 11 of the Constitution, and the function of eliminating and supervising discrimination is assigned to the Public Defender of Georgia by law.

It was within the framework of standard proceedings that we requested information and a response from Reformer Fitness LLC, which is crucial for assessing the alleged discrimination and for a comprehensive study of the case. The public statement released by the company serves personal purposes, speculates on a particularly painful issue for everyone - the occupation of Georgia, and at the same time spreads a false narrative with the aim of discrediting the Public Defender and his office.

Once again, we would like to clarify that the Public Defender of Georgia is not only authorized, but also obliged to examine any application received by the Public Defender's Office, and presenting the issue in such a way that the Public Defender should not react to applications from citizens of certain countries, including the Russian Federation, is contrary to both international and domestic legislation, the principle of equality and the rule of law.

The Public Defender will continue to examine and respond to applications regarding discrimination, regardless of the citizenship and nationality of the applicant.

El Defensor del Pueblo, Ángel Gabilondo, ha asistido este domingo a los actos institucionales con motivo del Día de la Fiesta Nacional, que se celebra cada 12 de octubre.

Ángel Gabilondo ha presenciado el tradicional desfile militar en la Plaza de la Lealtad de Madrid y ha acudido, después, a la recepción que han ofrecido los Reyes en el Palacio Real de Madrid.

La adjunta segunda, Patricia Bárcena, ha asistido asimismo a la recepción oficial por el Día de la Fiesta Nacional.

La Regione Lazio – Ufficio del Difensore civico, in collaborazione con l’Ufficio Scolastico Regionale per il Lazio – Ufficio III, promuove la III Edizione del progetto “Il Difensore Civico tra i banchi di scuola”, un’iniziativa volta a sensibilizzare le giovani generazioni sull’importanza della tutela dei diritti, dell’inclusione sociale, della lotta alle discriminazioni e del contrasto alla corruzione, favorendo la partecipazione consapevole e responsabile alla cittadinanza attiva.

L’iniziativa è rivolta agli studenti delle classi IV e V delle scuole secondarie di secondo grado del territorio regionale e si propone di consolidare il successo delle precedenti edizioni, attraverso un percorso formativo che mette al centro il dialogo tra istituzioni e giovani.

Il progetto prevede le seguenti fasi operative:

• Incontri formativi nelle scuole, a cura del personale dell’Ufficio del Difensore civico, per approfondire le tematiche legate ai diritti, ai doveri e al corretto funzionamento della Pubblica Amministrazione;
• Concorso “Diventa Difensore Civico per un giorno”, che invita gli studenti a realizzare elaborati individuali o di gruppo (testi, video, interviste, elaborati grafico-pittorici) sul tema della cittadinanza attiva e del ruolo del Difensore civico;
• Creazione di materiale didattico, quale risultato delle esperienze formative e dei contributi delle scuole;
• Evento finale di restituzione, nel quale saranno presentati e valorizzati i migliori lavori realizzati dagli studenti.

Le scuole interessate potranno aderire inviando una e-mail all’indirizzo mfardelli@regione.lazio.it concordando direttamente le date degli incontri, che si svolgeranno fino all’inizio di aprile 2026.

Gli elaborati per il concorso dovranno essere inviati entro e non oltre il 10 maggio 2026 al medesimo indirizzo di posta elettronica.

Ulteriori informazioni e la brochure informativa sono disponibili sul sito ufficiale del Difensore civico della Regione Lazio: https://difensorecivico.regione.lazio.it/il-difensore-civico-sui-banchi-di-scuola-2/

Con la terza edizione del progetto “Il Difensore Civico tra i banchi di scuola”, la Regione Lazio rinnova il proprio impegno nella promozione di una cultura della legalità, della giustizia e della responsabilità civica tra i giovani.

L’iniziativa rappresenta un’occasione concreta per avvicinare le nuove generazioni alle istituzioni e per costruire un dialogo fondato sul rispetto dei diritti e dei doveri, contribuendo alla formazione di cittadini consapevoli, informati e partecipi della vita democratica.

Come sottolineato dal Difensore civico Marino Fardelli, «portare la figura del Difensore civico tra i banchi di scuola significa investire sulla conoscenza e sulla fiducia dei cittadini di domani, rafforzando il legame tra comunità e istituzioni».

Il Difensore civico regionale esercita la propria attività in piena autonomia e indipendenza, tutelando i diritti e gli interessi dei cittadini – italiani e stranieri – nei confronti di atti o comportamenti irregolari, tardivi o negligenti da parte della Pubblica Amministrazione.

È eletto dal Consiglio regionale a maggioranza qualificata, resta in carica cinque anni ed è rieleggibile.

Il Difensore civico può intervenire nei confronti di Regione, enti e aziende da essa dipendenti, Comuni, Province, Aziende Sanitarie Locali e ospedaliere, nonché nei confronti di gestori di servizi pubblici operanti nel territorio regionale.

Non ha competenza in materia di difesa, sicurezza pubblica, giustizia o nei rapporti tra privati.

I cittadini, singoli o associati, possono chiedere l’intervento del Difensore civico dopo aver presentato un’istanza all’amministrazione interessata e in assenza di risposta entro trenta giorni.

La richiesta, redatta in forma scritta e corredata dalla documentazione necessaria e da un documento d’identità, può essere inviata:

• per posta: Regione Lazio – Struttura amministrativa di supporto al Corecom, Crel e Difensore civico, Via della Pisana 1301 – 00163 Roma;
• via e-mail: difensore.civico@regione.lazio.it; via PEC: difensorecivico@cert.consreglazio.it; consegna diretta presso la sede, previo appuntamento.Il servizio è gratuito e non richiede l’assistenza di un avvocato.

L’Ufficio del Difensore civico riceve su appuntamento dal lunedì al venerdì dalle 9:30 alle 12:30 e il mercoledì dalle 14:30 alle 16:00 presso la sede del Consiglio Regionale del Lazio – Via della Pisana 1301, Roma.

Nicolas Lagasse, Médiateur de la Wallonie et de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, a rencontré Renaud Baiwir, Directeur général du Service public de Wallonie – Agriculture, Ressources naturelles et Environnement (SPW ARNE).
Cette entrevue s’inscrit dans la série de rencontres initiées par le Médiateur avec les hauts fonctionnaires des administrations wallonnes, dans un esprit d’écoute et de collaboration.

Un contrôle externe au service de la bonne administration

Le Médiateur a rappelé la nature de sa mission : exercer un contrôle externe indépendant, inscrit dans une logique d’accompagnement.
Son rôle prend toute sa pertinence lorsqu’apparaissent des dysfonctionnements évalués au regard des principes de la bonne administration.
Au-delà du traitement des réclamations, il entend valoriser les bonnes pratiques et renforcer le lien entre administration et citoyens.
Il a également souligné l’importance de comprendre la réalité des administrations et de formuler ses recommandations dans un esprit de dialogue constructif, en concertation avec les équipes concernées.

Vers un meilleur partage d’informations

Le Directeur général a exprimé un vif intérêt pour les principes de bonne administration. Il s’est notamment entretenu avec le Médiateur afin de mieux comprendre la manière dont ses services communiquent avec l’administration : les courriers envoyés par le Médiateur précisent-ils clairement les causes des dysfonctionnements constatés ? Et, le cas échéant, rappellent-ils les principes de bonne administration qui pourraient avoir été mal appliqués ou méconnus ?

Le Médiateur a indiqué que cette dimension faisait précisément l’objet d’une réflexion active et d’améliorations en cours au sein de ses services. Il en a profité pour rappeler un principe essentiel : le Médiateur n’a pas pour mission de défendre les citoyens comme le ferait un avocat, mais bien de garantir, en toute impartialité, le respect des droits de chacun et le bon fonctionnement des services publics.

Un contexte administratif en mutation

Renaud Baiwir a décrit un environnement de plus en plus complexe : les citoyens expriment davantage leurs insatisfactions, que ce soit via des recours administratifs, le Médiateur, les réseaux sociaux, le Conseil d’État.
D’où une question centrale : comment mieux utiliser l’énergie consacrée au traitement des réclamations pour en accroître l’efficacité ?

Le Directeur général a également dressé un tableau des principaux défis auxquels le SPW ARNE est confronté, parmi lesquels :

1. Une organisation complexe et exigeante
   Le SPW ARNE compte neuf départements, près de 2 300 agents et relève de la tutelle de cinq ministres. Cette structure doit constamment trouver un équilibre délicat entre la protection de l’environnement et le soutien à la production agricole, dans un contexte où les situations de crise sont fréquentes.
2. L’évolution des missions des fonctionnaires
   Les agents, tout en restant des techniciens de leur domaine, doivent désormais être capables de justifier leurs actions devant des instances variées : Parlement, comités de citoyens, ou encore dans le cadre de recours judiciaires. Cette nouvelle dimension exigeante s’ajoute à leurs missions traditionnelles.
3. Des ressources limitées en appui et en transversalité
   L’administration souffre d’un manque de services de support et de contingents transversaux, essentiels pour accompagner son évolution et répondre aux besoins croissants de coordination et d’adaptation.
4. Un déménagement à venir
   Enfin, le SPW ARNE devra bientôt gérer un déménagement de ses services, ce qui représente un défi logistique et organisationnel supplémentaire.

Trois thématiques concrètes abordées

L’échange a permis d’approfondir plusieurs dossiers spécifiques :

1. Nature et Forêts (DNF) : le comportement de certains agents sanctionnateurs, ainsi que les retards dans la délivrance des permis de pêche et dans l’organisation des examens de chasse.
2. Environnement : la question des propositions transactionnelles et le manque d’information ou de retour adressé aux citoyens par les fonctionnaires sanctionnateurs.
3. Pollution des sols : un dossier particulier lié à l’exécution de décisions de justice concernant un terrain pollué.

Un dialogue utile et à poursuivre

Cette rencontre a permis de mieux cerner les réalités et défis auxquels fait face la Direction générale du SPW ARNE, tout en identifiant des pistes d’amélioration dans la communication entre le Médiateur et ce service.
Le Médiateur et le Directeur général ont convenu de maintenir un dialogue régulier, dans un esprit de coopération et d’efficience au service de la bonne administration.

European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has opened nominations for the fifth edition of the Award for Good Administration.

The Award is open to EU projects by teams in any EU institution, body, office, or agency. Nominations can be made by EU staff, citizens, businesses, associations, or by civil society groups.

"The Award for Good Administration is a wonderful opportunity to show how the EU administration makes a meaningful impact on people's lives across Europe. By highlighting projects that truly make a difference in the daily lives of citizens, we reward the initiatives that can strengthen the bond between European citizens and EU institutions. I encourage anyone who knows of an inspiring project deserving recognition to consider nominating it for the Award," said Ombudswoman Anjinho.

Entries will be judged against the core principles of good public administration. Categories for the award submissions include excellence in technological innovation and the use of AI, excellence in citizen/civil society participation, excellence in diversity and inclusion, and excellence in open administration.

An advisory committee will draw up a short-list with the European Ombudswoman selecting the winners and announcing them at a special ceremony in June 2026. There will also be an online public vote for the most popular project.

The previous edition, held in 2023, saw 57 nominees and eight awards handed out to exemplary projects. The overall winner was Eurojust and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for their project helping civil society document war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The rules of procedure and the submission form for the award are available on the European Ombudsman website. The nomination period opens on 15 October 2025 and closes on 16 January 2026. Nominated projects should concern the period January 2023 - December 2025.

The Ombudsperson has been monitoring the issue of citizen services in public services. Approximately a year and a half after the publication of the thematic report, and based on its 25 recommendations, the Ombudsperson’s Office has completed a Follow-up Report, published today, 14 October 2025.

It addresses the same broad areas analysed in 2023, namely information for citizens, waiting times, the use of digital service solutions and service for particularly vulnerable people, seeking to update information and assess the degree of adoption of the recommendations made in the previous report.

Two pieces of legislation relating to customer service approved in 2024 were also taken into account, the first of which makes explicit reference to the conclusions of the Ombudsperson’s Report — Council of Ministers Resolution No. 86/2024 of 9 July and Decree-Law No. 49/2024 of 8 August.

As this is a follow-up report, the entities covered remain the same: Agency for Technological Reform of the State (ARTE, formerly AMA), Authority for Working Conditions (ACT), Tax and Customs Authority (AT), Institute for Financial Management of Social Security (IGFSS), Institute of Registration and Notary Affairs (IRN) and Institute of Social Security (ISS).

Significant improvements have been observed, particularly in terms of digital centralisation through the gov.pt portal, which has helped to standardise practices across various services and facilitate access to information. Progress has also been made in the presentation and transparency of information on customer service on some digital channels, as well as in the adoption of new models of face-to-face service. Several projects have also been carried out to improve physical customer service spaces.

However, significant shortcomings remain. In many entities, in-person service without an appointment is not consistently guaranteed, situations of exclusively digital service remain, waiting times are excessive and poorly monitored, and priority service rules are applied unevenly. The report also points to insufficient human resources, a lack of adequate training for customer service roles, and poor conditions in various facilities as serious obstacles to the quality of the service provided.

Progress identified

• Digital centralisation through the gov.pt portal, which has allowed for greater standardisation of services and easier access to information;
• Improved presentation of information on customer service, with greater clarity and transparency in some digital channels;
• Adoption of new models of in-person service;
• Integration/reinforcement of technological solutions for citizen service;
• Carrying out works to improve physical service spaces.

Persistence of critical failures

• The alternative to digital service is not always guaranteed, which leads to situations where citizens’ rights vis-à-vis the Administration are disregarded;
• In-person service without an appointment is not consistently guaranteed;
• Excessive waiting times, with insufficient and uneven monitoring;
• Deficient and non-uniform practices in serving people with special vulnerabilities, with consequences in limiting universal access to public services;
• Lack of adequate human resources and absence of specific training for customer service functions.

The full report can be read here [in Portuguese only].