An efficient, impartial and independent justice system, whose decisions are enforced, is an essential pillar of the rule of law and a precondition for the enjoyment of all fundamental rights and freedoms.
 

Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights provides that “everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law”. This – and key recommendations from the Committee of Ministers – form the basis of Council of Europe support to member states to address any shortcomings that may exist. This is carried out through the work of three different bodies the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ), the Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE) and the Consultative Council of European Prosecutors (CCPE)

The European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) advises and supports policy makers and justice professionals by carrying out a data-based in-depth analysis of the day-to-day functioning of judicial systems in Europe, by developing pragmatic and innovative tools for use at national and local level focused on efficiency, quality and cyber-justice, and by supporting the most effective methodologies for judicial data collection, processing and analysis.

Consultative Council of European Judges – CCJE

The CCJE is a consultative body composed exclusively of serving judges, unique in this way at European level. This ad hoc committee is tasked with fostering the independence, impartiality and competence of judges by drawing up standards and guidance as regards the status and career of judges and the effective exercise of the judicial profession, bearing in mind the Council of Europe’s standards, the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and the findings and recommendations of the relevant monitoring mechanisms

 Focus 2022-2025

Issues related to the independence, impartiality, and other aspects of a fair trial, competence, nomination, career, ethics, accountability, evaluation or other aspects of career of judges or judicial profession

 Civil society involvement 

  • Participant: Conference of INGOs (CINGO)
  • Observers
  • Consultation with civil society, either through direct participation in meetings, or through dedicated hearings or written consultations

Consultative Council of European Prosecutors – CCPE

The CCPE is a consultative body composed exclusively of serving prosecutors (unique in this way at European level), represents the various existing prosecution systems. This ad hoc committee is tasked with fostering the independence, impartiality and competence of prosecutors, by drawing up standards and guidance as regards the status and career of prosecutors and the effective exercise of the prosecutorial profession, bearing in mind the Council of Europe’s legal standards, the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and the findings and recommendations of the relevant monitoring mechanisms.

 Focus 2022-2025

Issues related to the independence, impartiality, competence, nomination, career, ethics, accountability, evaluation or other aspects of careers of prosecutors or the prosecutorial profession.

 Civil society involvement 

  • Participant: Conference of INGOs (CINGO)
  • Observers
  • Consultation with civil society, either through direct participation in meetings, or through dedicated hearings or written consultations