The CCJE President, Judge Leonie Reynolds (Ireland), took part in the 1520^th meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, held on 26 February 2025, and presented to the Ministers’ Deputies the recent activities of the CCJE.

Judge Reynolds underlined that the CCJE had developed specific expertise and standards as a unique body, composed exclusively of serving judges from across Europe, with a mandate focusing on practical aspects of the status of judges and their independence and impartiality which continue to be of utmost importance.

Judge Reynolds highlighted key aspects of several Opinions of the CCJE, including Opinion No. 26 (2023) which examines how judges may benefit from the use of technologies, but recalls that they alone should, ultimately, deliver justice. Judge Reynolds also focused on Opinion No. 27 (2024) on the disciplinary liability of judges aiming to strike a balance between achieving judicial accountability and preserving judicial independence and providing a number of important safeguards to avoid the misuse of disciplinary liability for ulterior motives. In 2024, the CCJE also adopted a thematic study on diversity and inclusivity in the judiciary, which shows how they can contribute to better judicial decision making in increasingly diverse societies and helping to increase public confidence in justice.

The Ministers’ Deputies welcomed the work of the CCJE and importance of its standards for judicial independence in member states. During an exchange of views, Judge Reynolds emphasised the CCJE’s continued commitment and expressed her gratitude for the wide support and trust expressed by the Committee of Ministers.