The 25th plenary meeting of the CCJE was held on 4-6 December 2024 in Strasbourg. Mr Gianluca Esposito, Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe, greeted the participants and made opening remarks underlining how the CCJE champions rule of law principles, in particular regarding judicial independence and impartiality, through its opinions.
The CCJE adopted Opinion No. 27 (2024) on the disciplinary liability of judges. This Opinion aims to strike a balance between ensuring judicial accountability and safeguarding judicial independence. The Opinion is based on the main features of legal frameworks and practice in member states and includes key recommendations, in particular: having clear procedural rules for disciplinary proceedings; ensuring that the body responsible for the initiation of a disciplinary procedure and investigation is different from the one deciding on disciplinary matters; ensuring that all bodies competent for disciplinary proceedings are independent from the executive and legislative powers; and guaranteeing the rights of judges to take part in the disciplinary proceedings concerning them and to appeal against any decisions taken.
The CCJE also adopted a thematic study on diversity and inclusivity in the judiciary. It examines, in particular, how diversity and inclusivity can contribute to better judicial decision making, in line with the fundamental principles of human rights, rule of law and democracy.