25 years

of delivering judicial
training excellence

Message from the EJTN Secretary General

2024 was a year of progress, collaboration and innovation for the European Judicial Training Network. Throughout the year, we remained dedicated to empowering Europe’s judges, prosecutors and court staff with the expertise, knowledge and tools they need in areas such as the digital transformation of justice, the use of Artificial Intelligence in legal proceedings, the Rule of Law, judicial accountability, and more. 

This spirit of innovation is also reflected in the format of this 2024 Annual Report. For the first time, the report adopts a hybrid format aligned with our goals of digitalisation and sustainability. It features a dedicated website, a downloadable summary PDF and a limited number of printed copies available at key events throughout the year. 

In 2024, EJTN reaffirmed its commitment to judicial training excellence by organising 971 activities, delivering 36,726.5 training days and training a total of 10,921 European judges, prosecutors, court staff and trainers – a 17% increase in participants from the previous year. These remarkable achievements were made possible by the EJTN Members, who develop impactful training initiatives and ensure their wide and effective dissemination.

Ingrid Derveaux

Judge Ingrid Derveaux
EJTN Secretary General

Digital transformation of justice was a key priority in 2024. The Working Group on Digitalisation launched its first activities, laying the foundation for comprehensive digital training initiatives and a strategic approach to this critical topic. We also advanced gender diversity in the judiciary by establishing the ‘Women in Justice’ project, led by the Working Group on Judicial Training Methods. Additionally, EJTN supported the detection and prosecution of anti-competitive infringements through a dedicated project executed under the Single Market Programme of the European Union, among other important achievements. 

“2024 was a year of progress, collaboration and innovation for EJTN.” 

Strategic partnerships also played a central role in 2024. EJTN strengthened ties with longstanding partners, including the CJEU, the Council of Europe, the ECtHR, the EPPO and Eurojust, while building new collaborations with organisations such as UNESCO and the European Law Institute. Existing collaborations thrived, as exemplified by new countries applying for long-term training periods at the CJEU. EJTN also stepped onto the global stage at the 11th International Conference on Training of the Judiciary, organised by the International Organization for Judicial Training, sharing insights with international stakeholders. 

“EJTN remains committed to strengthening a shared European judicial culture.”

Thanks to the continuous support of the European Commission, EJTN remains committed to its mission of strengthening a shared European judicial culture and contributing to a unified area of justice, while also championing the digital transformation of justice and upholding the Rule of Law. 

I extend my gratitude to EJTN Members, Associate Members, Observers and Partners for their invaluable cooperation throughout 2024. Together, we will ensure that European Justice remains efficient, resilient and prepared to meet the challenges of the future.  I hope you enjoy reading this report! 

Ingrid Derveaux

Judge Ingrid Derveaux
EJTN Secretary General

“EJTN remains committed to strengthening a shared European judicial culture.”

From our stakeholders

“EJTN and the Court of Justice are key partners for upholding the EU Rule of Law. We can be proud of our long-term training programme and other areas of cooperation, which enhance knowledge about EU law by national justice professionals and thus contribute to building up a common judicial culture in Europe.”

Koen Lenaerts
President of the Court of Justice of the European Union

“Through its cross-border training initiatives, EJTN promotes knowledge of EU law among national justice professionals, thereby contributing to its uniform application across the Member States and to greater mutual understanding between their judicial authorities in cross-border proceedings.”

Alfredo Calot Escobar
Registrar at the Court of Justice of the European Union

“Study visits and long-term training through EJTN offer judicial practitioners a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience and actively engage with institutions like the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, deepening their understanding of a transnational prosecution office in action.”

Laura Codruța Kövesi
European Chief Prosecutor, EPPO

“Practice and professional development go hand in glove, making Eurojust and EJTN natural partners. I am deeply grateful for the European esprit de corps EJTN fosters among judicial practitioners, uniting them in purpose and enabling vital cross-border judicial cooperation.”

Michael Schmid
President of Eurojust

“Integrating the judiciary perspective into police training is crucial, just as a judicial understanding of law enforcement realities, capabilities, and operational methods is vital for effective adjudication. The exchange of expertise through EJTN-CEPOL joint training programmes plays a critical role in ensuring that the expectations of EU citizens regarding environmental protection and the fight against climate change are met. These programmes provide an essential platform for law enforcement and judicial officers to discuss emerging crime trends, innovative investigative methods, and the practical application of cross-border cooperation tools.”

Montserrat Marín López
Executive Director of CEPOL

“Through the dialogue between European judges and diverse participants in its conferences, EJTN not only trains judges but also enables horizontal cooperation between practitioners in the field, which is an essential factor in identifying strengths and obstacles. The recent forum held in Syracuse was attended by many high-level female judges and speakers, and it was particularly fruitful. The discussions held in the group on high-profile cases allowed for an opportunity to see how similar the challenges faced in each of the participating countries were, and to reflect together on the actions to be taken to overcome them. Such exchanges obviously contribute to strengthening the Rule of Law.” 

Madeleine Mathieu
President of the ENCJ 

“As a key player in the exchange of judicial practices within the European area, EJTN must now contribute, through training and exchange of experience, to the great challenge of the digital transformation of justice. GEMME is very honoured to be able to contribute its expertise in this field. Let’s work together to build a 21st century justice system that preserves the human element.”

Frédérique D’Agostini
President of GEMME

“In times when Europe is implementing the AI Act, the partnership between UNESCO and EJTN has proven transformative in preparing Europe’s judges for the AI age while protecting human rights and upholding the Rule of Law. UNESCO greatly values the cooperation with EJTN in delivering high-quality training programmes adapted for the European judiciary. We look forward to expanding our collaboration to chart new frontiers and shape the future of the judicial system in the digital age.”

Guilherme Canela
Director for Digital Inclusion and Policies and Digital Transformation, UNESCO

“Training, experience and knowledge-sharing and peer support are key to promoting integrity and instilling strong ethical values among the members of the judiciary. EJTN plays an active role in fostering these values through its initiatives, and we are always pleased to collaborate in advancing our shared goals and creating positive change.”

Tatiana Veress
Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer, Coordinator of the Global Judicial Integrity Network, UNODC

“Equipping justice professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to uphold the Rule of Law is more important than ever. EJTN’s work in this regard is invaluable. I have witnessed first-hand how EJTN’s courses and initiatives have not only enhanced expertise of judges and prosecutors in the field of international and transnational criminal law but have also fostered individual and institutional cooperation and collaboration.”

Beti Hohler
International Criminal Court Judge

About the European Judicial Training Network

Founded in 2000 by the Bordeaux Charter, the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN) is an international non-profit association governed by Belgian law. EJTN unites judicial training institutions from all EU Member States to pursue a general European interest: that of developing and implementing training and exchange activities for European justice practitioners. These activities cover initial and continuous training and are delivered in close cooperation with EJTN Members, Associate Members, Observers and Partners. You can learn more about our history here. 

EJTN plays a vital role in promoting networking among its Members and serves as a key platform for them to share experiences and exchange ideas in areas of joint interest. 

EJTN’s governance 

EJTN’s governance and structure are designed to promote dialogue and cooperation among its Members. Governance is overseen by the General Assembly and the EJTN Steering Committee. In 2024, an Extraordinary General Assembly took place in June in Brussels, Belgium.  During this meeting, over 100 delegates discussed key topics which will shape the Network’s future, covering themes such as a Green Deal policy for EJTN, establishing EJTN’s ethical principles, and how better support and train the leaders. A brief online General Assembly took place in September. The EJTN Secretary General ensures the proper day-to-day management of the Network and acts as the head of the EJTN Secretariat. Dedicated Working Groups and focused Sub-Working Groups plan and implement projects and programmes within their respective fields.

Download the full organigramme here

EJTN’s strategic objectives

Throughout 2024, EJTN continued to make progress and achieve its strategic goals set in the EJTN Strategic Plan 2021-2027. These objectives include, for example, reaching out to new target audiences for training courses at various levels, further developing and promoting different activities and projects and testing and implementing new training formats. To get acquainted with the comprehensive Strategic Plan, visit here.

The EJTN Secretariat

EJTN’s various activities, projects and initiatives would not be possible without the work and dedication of its team. Based in Brussels, the EJTN Secretariat, consisting of around 30 members, is responsible for the daily operations of the organisation.  

Find out more
EJTN Secretariat