Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

The EJTN Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms programme brings European judges, prosecutors and court staff together to discuss the most crucial topics on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms at the European and EU level. 

What is it?

Every year, the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (HFR) portfolio offers a comprehensive and coherent series of training activities, designed to enhance the expertise of justice professionals across Europe. Both online training activities and face-to-face seminars follow a combined approach of lectures, workshops, case studies, court hearings (in face-to-face) and interactive tools and online trainings (online activities) that provide a dynamic and engaging learning experience for legal practitioners. 

During these sessions, judges, prosecutors, court staff, and trainers enhance their knowledge on the latest developments in human rights legislation and jurisprudence. They exchange best practices and apply their experience in practical case studies, employing a ‘learning by doing’ methodology that emphasises active participation and real-world application. 

AIM

What’s the objective?

The primary objective of the HFR training activities is to provide an exchange platform for justice practitioners from across Europe to encourage a dialogue and professional development in human rights topics. The training activities enable participants to share experiences and perspectives on their domestic legal frameworks while exploring common challenges in the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. 

By fostering cross-border exchange, the programme encourages a deeper understanding of the evolving legal landscape. It also offers opportunities to discuss recent developments with leading experts and practitioners, ensuring that judicial professionals remain at the forefront of their field. 

Key Topics

The seminars address the complex challenges faced by EU judges, prosecutors and court staff in safeguarding human rights within their own EU Member States. They focus particularly on the application of EU and European legal instruments from a judicial perspective. 

Participants gain insights into a broad range of issues, including the interpretation of fundamental rights under EU law, case law from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), and emerging trends in human rights protection.

Activities planned for 2026

A series of specialised training sessions on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms will be offered in 2026, covering topics such as environmental and climate litigation, cultural diversity, and Applicability and effect of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. There will also be in-person seminars and online courses on antisemitism, misinformation, and the protection of minorities.

Aimed at European judges, prosecutors, and court staff, these seminars offer valuable opportunities for all justice practitioners to improve their ability in key areas of EU Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

For the full list of activities planned to take place in 2026, please refer to the EJTN Online Training Catalogue.

EJTN Rule of Law Publications

Any questions?

For any queries regarding the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms programme, please contact Armin Schelle at the EJTN Secretariat: [email protected]