projects
EVENTS
“Maintaining justice in a changing Europe”
The CCBE organised a Plenary event on Thursday 22 November 2024 from 9.00 to 13.00 (CET), in the European Parliament, Brussels.
The theme of the event was “Maintaining justice in a changing Europe”. Roundtables 1 and 2 were moderated by the CCBE Secretary-General Simone Cuomo.
9:00 – 9:15
Opening remarks
- Javier Zarzalejos, Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE)
- Pierre-Dominique Schupp, President of the CCBE
09:15 – 09:30
Keynote speech
- Věra Jourová, Vice-President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency Responsible for Democracy, rule of law, media pluralism and fight against disinformation
round table 1 | 9:30 – 10:45
“Justice as critical infrastructure: securing long-term investment in courts and legal systems”
Justice systems are essential for maintaining democracy, safeguarding the rule of law, and protecting individual rights. This roundtable will discuss whether governments should recognise justice systems as critical infrastructure, deserving of consistent and long-term investment. There will be a focus on the broader consequences of underinvestment in justice, exploring how underfunded systems can undermine democratic values, the effective enforcement of rights, and become susceptible to political influence.
round table 2 | 11:15 - 12:30
“A shared responsibility to defend democracy: the role of European institutions and legal professionals in countering democratic backsliding and upholding fundamental rights”
Democratic backsliding and populist movements threaten the core principles of justice in Europe. In addition, European institutions are tackling challenges such as unlawful surveillance, restrictions on free speech, the rise of disinformation, rule of law deterioration and violations of privacy rights. With varied national interests and legal traditions, how can the European institutions and other actors ensure that justice systems can uphold democratic standards, rule of law and fundamental rights, as well as ensuring judicial collaboration and mutual trust between Member States?
12:30 – 13:00
Conclusion and closing remarks
- Maria Ejchart, Under-Secretary of State Ministry of Justice, Republic of Poland
- Pierre-Dominique Schupp, President of the CCBE