EU Ombudsman Inspires Students at Syracuse Strasbourg
Students at the Syracuse Strasbourg Center recently met with the European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho, who shared insights into her professional path and experiences as an ombudswoman. The event was part of the center鈥檚 European politics speaker series held throughout the month of February.
In addition to the ombudsman, a recent session was held at the European Parliament with European Member of Parliament Dario Nardella (Italy), who was also the Commencement speaker at Syracuse in 2024.
As the European Union Ombudswoman, Anjinho is responsible for investigating cases of maladministration within institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the European Union. These issues involve matters related to transparency, delays in access to documents or the management of funds. She described herself as a public servant, bridging European citizens and EU policy-making bodies through building trust and legitimacy.
Cultivating relationships and driving inspiration
网爆门鈥檚 presence in Strasbourg, France, since 1974 means that it benefits from official relationships with local institutions, including the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights, opening unique doors for students.
Through the diplomatic network of Center Director John Goodman and Syracuse professor Alun Drake, it was clear that the ombudswoman would be a dynamic speaker and great role model for Syracuse students. Anjinho presented to over 60 students at the Strasbourg villa, focusing on topics relating to courses Mapping Strasbourg, a core course on Strasbourg and life abroad, and The Global Workplace, concentrating on internships, careers and pre-professional development.
During her presentation, the ombudsman emphasized the importance of ensuring that European citizens feel heard by public institutions. She explained that trust in these institutions depends on people believing their concerns are taken seriously and that there is an independent body advocating for fairness and transparency. Drawing on her experience as a public servant, she highlighted her understanding of the challenges citizens face when engaging with institutions.
This perspective, she noted, helps make the ombudsman鈥檚 office more accessible and inclusive, ensuring that all individuals feel represented and supported.
鈥淲hat I found particularly interesting was her perspective on democratic deficit鈥攈ow many citizens feel departed from the institutions and decision-making processes that govern them. It put into words some of what I have been sensing in the political landscape over the past few years,鈥 says Neha Chhablani ’27, a student in attendance studying political science and environment, sustainability and policy.
Chhablani says seeing roles like Anjinho’s focused on rebuilding public trust in government makes her feel “hopeful about the future.”
Anjinho also shared her personal journey to becoming an ombudswoman. Previously, she worked in academia, government and served as Portugal鈥檚 deputy ombudsperson and secretary of state for justice, ultimately running for and being elected European ombudsman.
She reflected on the obstacles she faced as a woman in public service and diplomacy and spoke about having moments of doubt or feeling unrecognized for her hard work. Despite these challenges, her dedication and sense of purpose carried her to the role she holds today.
Anjinho encouraged students to keep pursuing their goals, even amid struggle or rapid changes in the political landscape.
鈥淎s a student with an interest in diplomacy, I found her speech to be very inspiring, and I know the other students in the room found her just as moving,鈥 says international relations student Mariana Luz ’27. 鈥淚 left her speech feeling a sense of relief and have a new perspective on what’s to come in the future!鈥
About Teresa Anjinho聽
Anjinho was sworn in as the European ombudsman in February 2025 and acts as the bridge that connects the European citizens to the bodies that make policy for Europe.
From 2022 to 2025, she was a member of the supervisory committee of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). Prior to that, she was a member for the deputy ombudsman of Portugal (2017-2022), secretary of state for justice in the Portuguese government (2015) and member of Parliament in Portugal (2011-2015).
Anjinho is a lawyer, an independent human rights expert and a scholar who specializes in public international law, gender and equality. She has been teaching at the NOVA School of Law and at the Lus Gentium Conimbrigae Institute of the University of Coimbra. She has also published a number of scientific papers.
