The European Judicial Training Network took part in the 17th Conference of the Network of Public Prosecutors or Equivalent Institutions at the Supreme Judicial Courts of the EU Member States (NADAL Network), which took place in Brussels, Belgium, on 7-8 May. Organised by the Office of the Prosecutor General, headed by Prosecutor General Ria Mortier, the event brought together key actors from prosecution services across Europe.
This year’s conference marked a very important milestone for the NADAL Network: after 20 years since its creation, the network has secured an operating grant from the European Commission, with the support of the Siracusa International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights, led by Director Jean‑François Thony and Deputy Director Céline Viguier. Their support contributes to the work of the Secretaries General Franz Plötz and Sonya Djemni-Wagner. The NADAL Network will soon launch its website, representing a further step in its development.
The conference also focused on a topic of great importance for European justice: the Rule of Law. European prosecutors play an active role in upholding this principle. During the conference, a special tribute was paid to the network’s founder, former French Prosecutor General Jean‑Louis Nadal, who was awarded the NADAL Prize in recognition of his commitment to the rule of law and justice.
A declaration on the role of prosecution services in safeguarding the Rule of Law was also adopted. Rémy Heitz, Prosecutor General at the French Court of Cassation, who moderated the panel and was appointed Vice-President of the NADAL Network, highlighted the essential role of dialogue among prosecutors in upholding the Rule of Law. Underlining the value of continued exchange and cooperation, he pointed to these discussions as a cornerstone for strengthening judicial systems across jurisdictions:
“The address by Jean-Louis Nadal reminds us of both the progress made since the Network’s creation in 2008 and of the strength of the foundations on which it now stands. It also shows that dialogue among Prosecutors General has become just as essential as dialogue among judges for the construction of the European judicial area.”
France will host the NADAL Network conference in 2028, further reinforcing its commitment to fostering this dialogue at European level. In 2027 the conference will be hosted by the Finnish Office of the Prosecutor General.
EJTN was represented at the event by Secretary General Judge Ingrid Derveaux, who contributed to the discussions by underlining EJTN’s role as a central coordinator of judicial training in Europe. She highlighted a range of ongoing and upcoming training initiatives which are relevant for European prosecutors, regardless of their national context.
Judge Derveaux noted:
“Building on a long-standing partnership formalised through the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding, cooperation between the NADAL Network and EJTN continues to play an important role in strengthening prosecutorial training across Europe. Over the years, this collaboration has fostered sustained dialogue and a dynamic exchange of expertise, which has allowed both networks to better identify and respond to the evolving needs of prosecution services.
I believe that our continued cooperation will reinforce the development of specialised training activities and further strengthen the broader European judicial training landscape.”
Prosecutor General Mortier highlighted:
“It is not sufficient for the Rule of Law to be formally guaranteed in constitutions, laws or institutional frameworks. It also requires a real and constant willingness to implement it effectively, to preserve it in practice and, when necessary, to defend it.”
“Judicial cooperation, a more structured dialogue and mutual trust between institutions have therefore become essential to preserving the Rule of Law within the European judicial area,” she said.
Jean‑François Thony, Director of the Siracusa International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights said:
“The Rule of Law cannot be defended if the fundamental values on which it is based are gradually forgotten. Training therefore plays an essential role: not only in transmitting legal knowledge, but also in preserving the shared democratic principles on which our judicial systems rest.
In a context of increasing pressure on the Rule of Law, it is essential to create neutral and independent spaces where prosecutors can freely exchange views on their concerns, their practices, and the shared values that underpin European justice, as exemplified by the Judges@Europe Forum developed by EJTN in cooperation with the Syracuse International Institute.”
Together with its members and partners, EJTN continues to drive innovation in judicial training, including the development and testing of new training formats and methodologies. Through these efforts, EJTN actively contributes to strengthening and safeguarding the Rule of Law across the European Union.
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