The European Network for Judicial Training discussed the future of justice and set out its strategic development priorities for 2028–2034

In late October 2026, the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN) brought together more than 80 directors and senior representatives of national judicial training institutions from across Europe in Dublin (Ireland). The EJTN Annual Directors’ Conference was organised jointly with the Judicial Council of Ireland under the patronage of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The event provided an opportunity to advance the EJTN’s strategic planning ahead of the adoption of the next Strategic Action Plan.

During the conference, participants discussed how judicial training can best respond to new challenges and evolving professional needs in Europe, particularly those related to artificial intelligence and digitalisation. At the same time, the discussions confirmed that the fundamental task remains the protection of the rule of law through the development of strong, independent and high-quality justice systems that enjoy public trust.

In her address, the Director of Judicial Studies, Judge Marguerite Bolger, emphasised the special significance of this year’s conference: “We are delighted to host the Conference of Directors in Dublin as part of Ireland’s Presidency. The theme of this Presidency – ‘Ni neart go chur le cheile’ (‘Strength in Unity’) – reflects the principle underpinning the right to equal treatment and non-discrimination, which is one of the cornerstones of European Union law. During the conference, we will examine the application of European equality legislation, with a particular focus on the prohibition of racial discrimination. We hope this will assist member institutions in developing effective training materials and practical guidance in this important area of EU law.”

The conference was opened by Nuala Butler, Presiding Judge of the Judicial Education Committee of the Irish Judicial Council; Donal O’Donnell, Chief Justice of the Irish Supreme Court; Catherine Ardagh, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Immigration; Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, who addressed the participants via a video message; and the Secretary-General of the EJTN, Judge Ingrid Derveaux.

The key role of judicial education in strengthening the rule of law, ensuring the independence of the judiciary and preparing European justice systems for the challenges of the future was emphasised.

Nataliia Shuklina, Vice-Rector of the National School of Judges of Ukraine, took part in this important event, which shapes trends in European judicial education. In her speech, she thanked the Network for supporting the National School of Judges of Ukraine in organising training sessions for judges on topical issues, aimed at strengthening their professional qualifications and skills.

Since June 2018, the NSJU has held observer status within the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN) and actively cooperates with the EJTN as the main platform for the exchange of experience and training of European judges, while implementing European standards in staff training through EU partnership projects and Council of Europe initiatives.

Strengthening equality and non-discrimination through judicial training

The first day of the conference was devoted to strengthening judicial training in the field of equality and non-discrimination. Through expert presentations, discussions and interactive workshops, participants examined the latest trends in the development of European equality legislation and EU legislation on equality in employment, shared experiences from their respective jurisdictions, and jointly developed practical approaches to integrating these topics into national judicial training programmes.

Participants paid particular attention to equality in the workplace, the protection of minority rights and the practical application of anti-discrimination principles.

The discussions, moderated by Judge Marguerite Bolger, Judge Roderick Maguire, Judge Seamus Given, Judge Paula Murphy and Judge Diogo Ravara, highlighted the important role of judges, prosecutors, court staff and judicial educators in ensuring equal access to justice, protecting fundamental rights and upholding the rule of law in Europe.

Participants also discussed how judicial training can contribute to the consistent application of European standards of equality, whilst taking into account the specific features of national legal systems and institutional environments.

Preparations for a new strategic phase in the EJTN’s development

Alongside issues of equality and non-discrimination, representatives of EJTN member institutions, associate members and observers focused on the Network’s future development.

Building on the work begun at the 2026 General Assembly in Cyprus, participants helped to identify the priorities that will form the basis of the EJTN Strategic Plan for 2028–2034.

During a series of workshops and discussions, delegates identified the areas in which European judicial training can deliver the greatest added value in the coming years, and considered how the EJTN can continue to contribute to the implementation of the European Strategy for Judicial Training for 2025–2030.

Particular attention was paid to discussing the Network’s role as a centre of expertise and cooperation, its contribution to the consistent application of EU law, and the development of innovative approaches to judicial training.

The second day of the conference was devoted to translating the ideas developed into concrete actions. Participants exchanged views on the priorities that should shape the EJTN Strategic Plan for 2028–2034 and discussed how judicial training can continue to respond to the evolving needs of European justice systems.

EJTN members held an extraordinary General Assembly and adopted a resolution reaffirming the Network’s role in supporting judicial training and cooperation in Europe.

The resolution emphasises the importance of coordination between the European and national levels, based on a model that combines close cooperation within the EJTN with the autonomy of national judicial training institutions. It also emphasises the need to foster a common European judicial culture and the contribution of judicial training to the consistent application of EU law, the strengthening of mutual trust and the rule of law.

A shared commitment to the rule of law

Despite the wide range of practical and strategic issues discussed during the conference, the discussions repeatedly returned to one key theme – the role of judicial training in ensuring the rule of law in a rapidly changing world.

Participants discussed how justice systems are adapting to technological and societal changes, in particular the increasingly widespread use of artificial intelligence and digital tools.

Such changes present significant opportunities to enhance the efficiency, accessibility and quality of the administration of justice. At the same time, they raise important questions regarding transparency, accountability, respect for fundamental rights and public trust in judicial institutions.

In this context, delegates emphasised that members of the legal profession must possess not only the technical knowledge required to work in these new conditions, but also a deep understanding of the values underpinning European justice systems.

Throughout the conference, participants emphasised that innovation and digital transformation must remain inextricably linked to the principles of judicial independence, equality before the law and respect for fundamental human rights.

Views of conference participants

The discussions in Dublin were enriched by contributions from representatives of the judiciary and European institutions, who shared their vision for the future of judicial training, digital transformation and the importance of safeguarding the rule of law.

Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, emphasised the role of the EJTN at European level: ‘The true strength of the EJTN lies in the fact that the Network brings together Europe’s national judicial training institutions. By bringing them together, supporting them and creating opportunities for the exchange of experience, you help to build what our Union depends on: mutual trust, a shared European judicial culture and the consistent application of EU law. This role will only grow as our justice systems become increasingly digitalised. A strategy with clearly defined priorities will help the EJTN to respond to future challenges. I look forward to continuing our cooperation so that judicial training continues to serve justice, the rule of law and democracy throughout our Union.’

Deputy Director-General for Digital Transformation, Justice and Consumer Protection at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumer Protection (DG JUST) Hubert Gambs emphasised the importance of training in supporting the digital transformation of justice in Europe: ‘We must strengthen the training of judges, prosecutors and court staff so that progress in digitalisation translates into tangible improvements in justice systems. Our common goal is to ensure that every judge, prosecutor and court staff member in every EU Member State is equipped with the necessary digital skills, in particular literacy in the fields of artificial intelligence and information technology. Achieving this goal across the European Union requires coordinated implementation at national level, supported by effective cooperation and synergy at European level.”

“I call on the EJTN to play a leading coordinating role in ensuring that its members’ programmes and activities are aligned with the priorities of the European Strategy for Judicial Education, as well as in fostering interaction between EU-level training and national judicial education programmes. This is precisely where the EJTN’s unique added value lies. I call on the Network to continue to develop its distinctive role as a federation of national judicial training institutions”.

The Secretary-General of the EJTN, Judge Ingrid Derveaux, shared her thoughts on the role of the Network and judicial training in helping European justice systems respond to new challenges, whilst ensuring the rule of law: “As Europe’s justice systems continue to evolve, it is not only a question of what technologies we introduce, but also of how we prepare members of the legal profession to use them responsibly. Decisions on the content of judicial training must be taken collectively by Europe’s national judicial training institutions, and the EJTN plays a key role in facilitating such dialogue and cross-border cooperation.

‘While training on the digitalisation of justice and artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important, our responsibility is not limited to technology. We must continue to provide high-quality training across all areas of judicial and legal practice, whilst equipping judges, prosecutors and court staff with the skills, decision-making abilities and critical thinking necessary to ensure effective human oversight and respect for the rule of law. At the same time, it is of the utmost importance to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the citizens of Europe. Public trust in the justice system depends not only on innovation, but also on the confidence that technology serves justice rather than replacing human accountability, the independence of the judiciary and the fundamental values on which the rule of law is based,’ emphasised Ingrid Derveaux.

Next steps

The outcomes of the discussions held in Dublin will directly influence the development of the EJTN Strategic Plan for 2028–2034 and will help to define the Network’s priorities for the coming years.

It is expected that the draft Strategic Plan will be presented for adoption at the EJTN General Assembly in 2027 in Vilnius (Lithuania).

Building on the outcomes of the Directors’ Conference, the document will set out the framework for the future activities of the EJTN and its members, aimed at developing judicial training, strengthening cooperation and building a sustainable and effective European area of justice.