The Crystal Scales of Justice Prize, established in 2005 by the CEPEJ, aims to identify and recognise innovative initiatives that improve the functioning of the justice system in Council of Europe member States or an observer States to the CEPEJ. This Prize, awarded every two years, is open to courts, judicial professionals, bar associations, non-governmental organisations and entities responsible in the judicial field.
By highlighting these projects, the Prize contributes to the sharing and dissemination of innovative practices in the field of justice, whilst providing significant visibility for the initiatives submitted.

Since 2018, a Junior edition of the Crystal Scales of Justice Prize, organised in partnership with the Faculty of Law,Political Science and Management at the University of Strasbourg, has been open to students.
 

The 2025 CEPEJ Crystal Scales of Justice Prize is awarded to a Dutch initiative supporting people in debt

The Crystal Scales of Justice Prize, which rewards innovative judicial practices within European judicial institutions, has been awarded on 9 October 2025 in Nicosia (Cyprus) to the Dutch Council for the Judiciary for its initiative aimed at supporting people in debt.

The «Schuldenfunctionaris/Debt officer» project contributes to finding solutions for people in debt by appointing debt officers within the courts to support debtors and identify potential problems at an early stage.

Two special mentions have also been awarded to the two following projects:

- « Support Centre for Conservatorship », the Flemisch justices of peace (Belgium)

- « Hyper-automation of Order for Payment Procedures in Justice», Ministry of justice (Spain)

Find out more here