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ENCJ Board statement on Judicial Independence in Hungary

The Executive Board of the ENCJ welcomes the milestones set by the European Commission to strengthen Judicial Independence in Hungary. The strengthening of the competences of the Judicial Council of Hungary is necessary for it to safeguard Judicial Independence and will improve the checks and balances in the Judicial system.  A Council for the Judiciary can only fulfill its role if it is independent of the legislature and executive and is attributed with sufficient powers.

ENCJ Board delegation visits Hungary

On 17 and 18 October 2022 an ENCJ Board delegation visited Hungary upon the the invitation of the National Judicial Council (OBT). The visit was to show solidarity and support the members of the OBT in their efforts to uphold the Rule of Law and Judicial Independence in Hungary. At the ceremonial meeting of the OBT the President of the OBT and the ENCJ President delivered a speech.

Judicial Networks met Commissioner Reynders and MEPs

On 7 September 2022, the delegations of four judicial networks: the ENCJ, the Network of Presidents of the Supreme Courts of the EU, the European Judges Association and the Network of Councils of State of the EU met the Commissioner for Justice, Mr Didier Reynders. The delegation also met with the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Katarina Barley and other members of the European Parliament from a various political groups.

Election of ENCJ President and Board members

During its meeting in Athens on 1 June the ENCJ General Assembly decided to renew the mandate of Filippo Donati as President till 30 November 2022. The General Assembly also elected Dalia Vasarienė to succeed Filippo Donati as of 1 December 2022. (mandate December 2022- June 2024). Filippo Donati is a non-judicial member of the Consiglio Superiore della Magistratura of Italy. Dalia Vasarienė is a judicial  member of the Judicial Council of Lithuania elected by her peers. 

In addition 4 new Board members were elected:

Joint Statement on Ukraine - Network of Presidents of the Supreme Courts and ENCJ

The Network of the Presidents of the Supreme Judicial Courts of the European Union and the European Councils for the Judiciary resolutely condemn the severe breach of the international law and aggressive act of war committed by the Russian Federation against the Ukraine. They appeal for a return to civil forms of debate that respect international law, human rights and the principles of democracy and the rule of law. The Networks express their utmost concern for the people of Ukraine and their solidarity with the Ukrainian people and their judiciary.