On 4 June the exhibition “A User’s Guide to the Rule of Law” was inaugurated at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. It showcases the crucial role that the rule of law plays in citizens’ daily lives. Marking the 35th anniversary of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission, the event is a joint initiative with the Maltese Presidency of the Committee of Ministers (May–November 2025). It demonstrates why the rule of law is fundamental to protecting individual freedoms and sustaining modern democracies.
“Today we celebrate not just an anniversary, but a profound legacy – a legacy of constitutional integrity, democratic resilience and solid commitment to the rule of law. Malta remains steadfast to work hand in hand with the Venice commission to safeguard our shared values and ensuring that the rule of law continues to thrive across Europe and beyond,” said the Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector of Malta, Hon. Jonathan Attard.
“The rule of law is under pressure,” said Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe. “This guide is more than a communication tool. It is an act of democratic duty — a way to bring the rule of law closer to those it was built to serve.”
Illustrated by Maltese artist Nadine Theuma, the exhibition is built around five core principles of the rule of law:
- Legality – Laws apply to everyone and impose limits on power.
- Legal certainty – Laws must be clear, accessible, and foreseeable.
- Prevention of abuse of power – Mechanisms are in place to guard against arbitrariness.
- Equality before the law and non-discrimination – Laws must protect all individuals equally and prohibit discrimination.
- Access to independent and impartial justice – Everyone must be able to defend their rights in a court of law.
Exhibition “A User’s Guide to the Rule of Law”
Poster “35th anniversary of the Venice Commssion”
