Study Visit to the Belgian mediation authorities

As part of an exchange of good practices with hers peers, the High Commissioner travelled to Brussels from June 24th to June 26th on a study visit to the Belgian mediation authorities, at the invitation of Mr. Marc Bertrand, Ombudsman for Wallonia and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

This three-day trip allowed the High Commissioner to meet with the different Belgian Ombudsmen active at the federal, regional and communitarian level. Very fruitful work sessions took place with a view to gaining knowledge of the working environment and working methods of these institutions, through interviews with Mrs Catherine de Bruecker, Federal Ombudsman, Mr Hanesse et Mr Tony Van Der Steen, Ombudsmen for Pensions, Mr. Marc Bertrand, Ombudsman for Wallonia and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and various representatives of the Interfederal Center for equal opportunities.

Alongside this study visit to her Belgian peers, the High Commissioner also paid a courtesy call to the European Ombudsman, Mrs. Emily O’Reily, first woman to have been appointed to this high office in July 2013.

Anne Eastwood, who was accompanied during this trip by her Deputy, Cécile Vacarie-Bernard, expressed her gratitude for the very professional and warm welcome extended to the Monaco institution by her interlocutors, very much in line with the Belgian tradition of hospitality.