Three Working Groups created within the framework of the project on Regional Dialogue on Judicial Reform in the Eastern Partnership countries met in Strasbourg in September 2016. Judges, prosecutors, representatives of the ministries of justice, bar associations and civil society organisations of the Eastern Partner countries shared experiences, identified shared challenges and possible ways to address them in the areas identified by the participating countries as most relevant for their national reform processes.

The first meeting took place on 19 September and examined challenges connected to the independence of judges, focusing on aspects related to both internal and external independence and material and social guarantees of independence.

Two remaining Working Groups convened on 26 September in Strasbourg. One group discussed experiences and ways to ensure transparency, public participation and effective communication in judicial reform processes, while the other examined issues related to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, focusing on criminal restorative justice and mediation in civil cases.

At the meetings, the participants analysed applicable international standards and the most challenging issues faced by participating countries. They also examined case studies and best practices from other Council of Europe members and identified possible approaches or initiatives, including at the regional level, which could be undertaken in response to the identified challenges.