The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted recommendation CM/Rec (2010) 12 on judges: independence, efficiency and responsibilities. The recommmendation and its explanatory memorandum are addressed to the Member States op the Council of Europe. The recommendations are divided in several topics; independence - both internally and externally, councils for the judiciary, the relation between independence, efficiency and resources, the status of the judge, the duties and reponsibilities of judges and judicial ethics.

The Consultative Council of European Judges of the Council of Europe adopted the Magna Carta of Judges (fundamental principles) it highlights all the fundamental principles relating to judges and judicial systems. It reiterates inter alia the fundamental criteria of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, access to justice, and the principles of ethics and responsibility in a national and international context.