Effective cooperation was the main theme of the joint event held in Berlin on 16 June, bringing together more than 100 representatives from the Execution Coordinators Network (ExCN) and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from across Europe. Co-organised by the Council of Europe’s ExCN, the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection of Germany, and ENNHRI this event focused on working together to support better execution of judgments from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

The event, part of the HRTF funded project “Support to Efficient Domestic Capacity for the Execution of ECtHR Judgments (Phase 2),” provided a valuable platform for sharing experiences and practical approaches to enhance cooperation and improve human rights protection.

Opening speakers highlighted the importance of teamwork and diverse perspectives. Dr Stefanie Hubig, Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection of Germany, reminded participants: “Human rights that apply only intermittently are no human rights at all… Enforcement also depends on networks, expertise, and an external perspective.” Lilja Gretarsdottir, Head of Human Rights and Justice Cooperation at the Council of Europe, emphasised the need for a collective effort: “The effectiveness of the European Convention on Human Rights is a collective endeavour. It requires a diversity of actors, a joint commitment, various kinds of expertise, dialogue and, above all, willingness to work across institutional boundaries.” Finally, Prof Beate Rudolf, Director of the German Institute for Human Rights and ENNHRI Board member, said: “Successful execution depends on a broader ecosystem, which includes NHRIs and Execution Coordinators.”

By joining forces, ExCN members and NHRIs aimed to encourage open discussions, peer learning, and practical solutions to strengthen the role of both actors as important contributors to effective execution of the ECtHR judgments.