Ombudsman raises concerns over lack of involvement in the independent monitoring mechanism under the Screening Regulation

The Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman in Malta published its plan for 2027, highlighting its role under Article 10 of the Screening Regulation which requires Member States to establish an independent monitoring mechanism (IMM) and Article 10(2) which provides that national Ombudspersons and national human rights institutions particate in the operation of the IMM and may be entrusted with carrying out all or parts of its functions. According to the plan and a press release by the Ombudsman, this provision gives the office a clear role within Malta’s implementation of the Screening Regulation.

On 6 August 2026, the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman wrote to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Home Affairs and Security, referring specifically to Article 10(2). It noted that the office had not been informed about the appointment of Malta’s IMM and had not been invited to participate in its operation. No response has been received as recorded in the 2027 plan, and the Ombudsman noted that it will continue to pursue the matter.