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15 September 2024

Justice, Peace and Democracy: core pillars for a fairer Europe

Meeting

Justice, peace and democracy stand as the essential values that support the Rule of Law and ensure good governance, both of which provide Europeans with the assurance of fair treatment and the protection of their rights. As the global community observes the International Days of Democracy and Peace this month, the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN) remains committed to advancing these core values across Europe through its extensive range of training activities and initiatives. 

“Judicial systems across Europe are essential in ensuring that democratic principles are upheld and that peace is maintained. Judges and Prosecutors are key to impartial interpretation of law, to safeguarding human rights and to resolving disputes in a manner that reinforces trust in democratic institutions. Through its training activities, organised in collaboration with Members and Partners, and thanks to its role as a multiplier at European level, the European Judicial Training Network plays an important role in empowering Judges, Prosecutors as well as Court staff to meet the high standards required for their roles. They are thus able to contribute to a peaceful and democratic Europe where every citizen benefits from a robust and effective judicial system,” said the EJTN Secretary General, Judge Ingrid Derveaux. 

In addition to a range of seminars on topics related to the human and fundamental rights, criminal justice and administrative and civil law, among others, EJTN has recently been leading two key projects, which are extremely relevant to the evolving landscape of justice, peace and democracy in Europe: the development of a groundbreaking publication on the Rule of Law and good administration of justice in the digital era, and a collaborative initiative focusing on judicial training to enhance the protection of human rights in complex legal frameworks. 

Publication on the Rule of Law and Good Administration of Justice in the Digital Era 

EJTN’s most recent publication, ‘The Rule of Law and Good Administration of Justice in the Digital Era’, addresses the need for judicial systems to adapt to challenges and opportunities presented by digital technologies. This comprehensive and bilingual resource, which is a result of collaborative efforts from key judges, experts and institutions on the Rule of Law in the European Union, provides guidance on maintaining the integrity of the Rule of Law while balancing the complexities of Europe’s digital transformation.  

This initiative is part of EJTN’s broader commitment to equipping Judges with the knowledge and tools they need in the digital age. The prestigious Judges@Europe Forum, which will take place for the third time in November 2024, will also explore themes related to this important topic, such as safeguarding impartiality and the impact of digitalisation on judicial decision-making. 

Training Course with the HELP Programme on Judges Upholding the Rule of Law 

Another key initiative with a focus on equipping judges with tools on upholding the Rule of Law and safeguarding human rights is an online crash course, produced in collaboration with the HELP Programme of the Council of Europe. The course, which will be available for all interested later this autumn and is currently under review by national contact points across Europe, focuses on three dimensions: disciplinary proceedings, performance and transparency. EJTN is thankful for this valued partnership and believes it will pave way for future collaboration within these areas of expertise. 

For more information on how EJTN contributes to a fairer Europe, including details on its upcoming training activities and initiatives, please visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn. You can also join us for bi-monthly Lunchtime Webinars that run until December 2024.