2024 Activities
Initial Training
Judges and prosecutors in EU Member States are required to implement EU law from the very beginning of their professional lives. They may also collaborate on cross-border cases with their counterparts from other EU Member States. EJTN offers two flagship activities focused on initial training of European judges and prosecutors: the AIAKOS Programme and the THEMIS Competition.
AIAKOS Programme
Overview
The AIAKOS Programme is a unique exchange platform for future and early-career judges and prosecutors to learn about different national judicial systems, foster mutual trust and raise awareness of the European dimension of their work. Held twice a year in May and November, it includes five-day exchanges at judicial institutions in other EU Member States. Participants observe court proceedings and discuss EU law, ethics and judicial cooperation.
Achievements in 2024
In 2024, the AIAKOS Programme reached new heights, hosting 44 exchanges across 27 judicial institutions in 24 Member States and engaging a record of 1,381 participants. This year marked the inclusion of Luxembourg and Malta as first-time participants, further broadening the programme’s reach and diversity. Moreover, Luxembourg, Italy, and Spain made the participation in the AIAKOS Programme mandatory as of 2024. The educational scope was expanded through parallel online sessions on judgecraft, judicial ethics, and courtroom communication, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity. Host institutions enriched the experience with mock trials, interactive workshops, and sessions on digital justice tools. Participants consistently praised the programme’s transformative impact, citing a deeper understanding of judicial systems across borders and the creation of invaluable professional networks. The ongoing evolution of the AIAKOS Programme during 2024 highlights its dedication to preparing the next generation of judicial professionals for effective collaboration and mutual trust within the European judiciary.
“In 2024, the AIAKOS Programme reached new heights, hosting 44 exchanges across 27 judicial institutions in 24 Member States and engaging a record of 1,381 participants.”
THEMIS Competition
Overview
The THEMIS Competition brings together future judges and prosecutors from EU Member States and third countries to debate key legal topics, draft papers, deliver presentations and engage in discussions with peers and a distinguished jury. The competition consists of four semi-finals, each focused on a distinct theme: criminal procedures, family or administrative law, civil procedures, and judicial ethics. Winners advance to the Grand Final, hosted by the previous year’s champion country. The competition fosters mutual trust and enhances knowledge of European and international legal frameworks.
“In 2024, the THEMIS Competition celebrated its 15th anniversary, showcasing the competition’s impact on future judicial expertise.”
Achievements in 2024
In 2024, the THEMIS Competition celebrated its 15th anniversary, showcasing the competition’s impact on future judicial expertise. For the first time, a semi-final focused on administrative law, reflecting the alternating topic structure. In 2024, 43 teams from 16 countries (12 EU Member States, three Western Balkans countries and Moldova) participated, highlighting the competition’s European reach. Semi-finals were held in Budapest, Rome, Utrecht and Trier, followed by the Grand Final in Naples, where the Romanian team triumphed, followed by Germany and Spain.
Moreover, in 2024, the study visit awarded to the 2023 competition winners took place at the Court of Justice of the European Union.
“The THEMIS competition has been perhaps the most valuable learning experience of our initial training, mixing teamwork and cooperation with our exceptional colleagues throughout Europe.” – The winning team from Romania
For more on the THEMIS Competition in 2024
