The 2024 THEMIS Competition concluded on a high note on 3-6 December at the Italian School of Magistracy (SSM) in Naples, Italy, where the prestigious Grand Final took place.
This year’s final brought together eight outstanding teams: three from France, two from Germany and one each from Greece, Romania and Spain. Each team showcased their expertise through written reports, compelling presentations and engaging Q&A sessions with their peers and the esteemed Jury.
Team Romania won the first place with an exemplary performance that included a meticulously structured written report addressing complex legal issues with references to key case-law from European courts. Their written paper on judicial protection of minors in a case of sexual abuse further solidified their victory. The winning team, composed of Ms. Elena-Andreaa Ciobotea, Ms. Lucia-Francesca Lupașcu and Mr. Rareș-Lucian Plășoianu, under the guidance of tutor Mr. Artiom Radu, earned high praise for their exceptional contributions.
Team Germany I secured second place with a stellar performance in a case centred on limitation of freedom of speech. Represented by Mr. Eric Belgorodski, Mr. Clemens Hufeld and Mr. Philip Nedelcu, and tutored by Ms. Valerie Datzer, their written and oral submissions impressed the jury.
Taking third place was Team Spain, featuring Ms. Cristina Busquets I Gutiérrez, Mr. Javier Lopez Lujan and Ms. María Clara Mas Valverde, tutored by Mr. José Pablo Carrera Fernandez. Their strong performance during simulated infringement proceedings on GDPR-related matters was particularly noteworthy.
In his opening address, Aldo Policastro, General Prosecutor of Naples’ Court of Appeal, offered inspiring words to the participants: “You will all become judges and prosecutors in your national systems, but also of the European Union. You will be the cornerstone of a shared European judicial culture and mutual trust.”
Judge Raffaele Sabato of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) highlighted the pivotal role of the THEMIS Competition in fostering dialogue on European law and nurturing mutual understanding among future European judges and prosecutors. He remarked, “As European judges, we bear the significant responsibility of upholding fundamental rights and ensuring stability rooted in the rule of law. This shared duty connects us, regardless of our experience or role within the judiciary.”
The distinguished jury included prominent figures such as Mariana Canotilho (Portugal), Lorenzo Salazar (Italy), Françoise Tulkens (Belgium), Dalia Vasariene (Lithuania) and Peter George Xuereb (Malta). Following the oral presentations, the jurors engaged in lively and thought-provoking discussions with participants.
Françoise Tulkens, Jury Chair, expressed her admiration for the professionalism, intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness displayed by all teams. She emphasized the competition’s focus on ethical challenges and commended the trainees’ ability to address complex judicial issues with insight and dedication.
Ingrid Derveaux, the EJTN Secretary General, celebrated the THEMIS competition’s role in fostering dialogue and collaboration among future EU legal professionals. She praised the jurors for their thorough assessments and encouraged broader participation in the 2025 edition of THEMIS. She noted in her remarks: “Dialogue between national judiciaries and European Courts is vital for strengthening the European area of Justice and supporting the Rule of Law.”
The Grand Final was made possible through the support of the Italian School of Magistracy and its Steering Committee President, Judge Silvana Sciarra, who ensured a flawlessly organised event.
The THEMIS Competition remains a cornerstone for future magistrates across the EU, promoting the exchange of ideas, deepening knowledge, and fostering professional networks. By emphasizing critical thinking and judicial reasoning, THEMIS plays a key role in shaping the next generation of European judges and prosecutors while reinforcing the shared values of a common judicial culture.
As a prize for winning the competition, the first-placed team will embark on a study visit to a country or institution of their choice in 2025.
To learn more about the 2024 THEMIS Competition Semi-Finals, take a look here.
Did you know that in 2024, the THEMIS Competition celebrated its 15th anniversary? Test your knowledge of the competition here.
The 2023 Winners of the THEMIS Competition recently conducted their study visit. Learn more about it here.
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