The European Judicial Training Network has opened the call for application for its initial training activities: the AIAKOS Programme and the THEMIS Competition.  

These flagship initiatives provide unparallel learning opportunities and experiences for aspiring judges and prosecutors, thus fostering European judicial cooperation, networking and professional growth. 

AIAKOS Programme bridges borders to achieve judicial excellence 

The AIAKOS Programme is an Erasmus-like exchange programme dedicated to judicial trainees and newly appointed judges and prosecutors from across the European Union.  

The programme aims to:  

• Enhance cross-border understanding of different judicial systems within the EU.  

• Promote cultural exchange and networking among judicial peers.  

• Equip participants with practical skills related to international judicial cooperation.  

Participants visit a judicial institution of another European country for five days, and during their visit they engage in interactive sessions, workshops and site visits to relevant courts and institutions. This way, the participants receive a first-hand insight into the judicial system of the host country. The AIAKOS Programme is designed to inspire and prepare participants to act as ambassadors of European judicial collaboration.  

In spring 2025, two exchange weeks will be organised: 5-9 May and 19-23 May. 

A total of 1062 participants from 24 Member States are expected to take part across four weeks of exchange. 

Applications are collected by the judicial institution of each EU Member State.  

THEMIS Competition tests your skills and embraces innovation  

The THEMIS Competition is a prestigious platform for judicial trainees to showcase their knowledge, teamwork and creativity. Organised as a dynamic team-based event, THEMIS challenges participants to:  

• Present innovative solutions to pressing legal issues.  

• Collaborate in a competitive yet collegial environment.  

• Gain recognition at the European level.  

Teams must submit a written paper that contains new ideas on any subject related to the topic of the relevant semi-final, prepare a creative presentation and defend their positions before a jury of legal experts.  

Teams should be composed of three judicial trainees from EJTN Members or EJTN Observers. A tutor may accompany them.   

The competition features several thematic categories, including EU criminal, civil, family law, and judicial ethics. This approach allows participants to delve deeply into their areas of interest.  

In 2025, the four THEMIS Semi-Finals will be held in Lisbon (Portugal), Valletta (Malta), Vilnius (Lithuania) and Naples (Italy). The Semi-Finals will take place between May and July. 

Winners and runners-up from each Semi-Final will be invited to attend the THEMIS Grand Final, which will be organised in Bucharest (Romania) in December 2025. The winning team will be awarded a study visit funded by EJTN in the country of their choice. You can watch some of the inspiring moments from a past Grand Final here and learn more about the study visit of 2023 winners here. 

An info session will take place online on 4 February at 11:00 (CET). The session will focus on how to submit your application, the 2025 semi-final topics, the financial conditions, and more. Register to the Info session here.  

Why apply?   

Both the AIAKOS Programme and THEMIS Competition are more than just training opportunities. They are gateways to professional development, cross-cultural understanding and lifelong networking, highlighting the importance of the Rule of Law being upheld from the very beginning of the careers of future judges and prosecutors and creating opportunities for future cooperation within the European Union of Justice. 

Participants will:  

• Gain access to top-tier training and resources.  

• Be part of an esteemed network of judicial professionals.  

• Strengthen their skills in leadership, legal reasoning, and international cooperation.  

Application details  

• Eligibility: Future and early-career judges and prosecutors, with maximum two years of experience in their role.  

• Deadline: 3 March 2025 for THEMIS and mid-March for AIAKOS. Application deadlines may vary at national level, so we encourage you to act promptly.  

Interested judicial trainees should liaise with the judicial institution of their country to learn about the requirements for participation. Further information on the programme specifics, application requirements, event dates and selection criteria is available on the EJTN website.  

Don’t miss this chance to shape your future, connect with peers from across Europe and contribute to the advancement of judicial excellence. Apply today to become part of the vibrant EJTN community and take your first steps toward a fulfilling judicial career!  

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