The CCJE Working Group met in Porto on 28-30 April 2026 to discuss the draft structure of the Opinion No. 29 (2026) on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of the judicial process prepared by the CCJE expert, Dr John Sorabji (United Kingdom), based on available standards of the CCJE, European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ), Venice Commission and other institutions within and outside of the Council of Europe. The draft took note in particular of the recently adopted Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on artificial intelligence and human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The Working Group acknowledged that when used appropriately, the AI has an important role to play in promoting an access to justice and improving judicial efficiency, research capacities, legal certainty and consistency. Such use may, however, also have a potential negative impact on judicial independence and the right to a fair trial. The Opinion should therefore find the right balance for an appropriate use of AI by judges.

The members of the Working Group warmly thanked the President of the CCJE, Judge José Igreja Matos (Portugal) for organising this meeting in Porto, the 50^th meeting of the Working Group, in the premises of the Porto Court of Appeals of which he is currently the President. The members also extended special thanks to Judge Matos and his colleagues for their exceptional hospitality, which included a warm welcome by the Municipality of Porto.