Today, on 21 May, the opening ceremony of the regular congress of the European Association of Judges took place in Luxembourg.

The event is being held as part of the work of the European Association of Judges – a regional group of the International Association of Judges, which brings together professional judges’ associations from European countries.

The Ukrainian Association of Judges is represented at this international professional forum by four members: Olena Yevtushenko, Oksana Margytich, Maria Pylaieva and Oksana Tsarevich.

The fact that the event opened on our national holiday – Vyshyvanka Day – lends particular symbolic significance to the Ukrainian delegation’s participation this year. The Ukrainian representatives attended the event in traditional dress, highlighting the significance of Ukraine’s cultural heritage as a symbol of national identity, resilience and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people.

The grand opening of the latest congress symbolically took place at the Court of Justice of the European Union.

The Courthouse complex is striking in both scale and design, combining modern architecture with a strong sense of institutional grandeur. Its high-tech character is complemented by a unique large-scale installation — the “Flame of Justice” — which rises symbolically from the Court’s main hall through the central part of the building.

The installation reflects the administration of justice by the Court’s 27 judges in some of the European Union’s most significant legal cases. It also embodies the fundamental values of the rule of law upon which the European legal order is founded.

The programme for the first working day included a familiarisation visit to the Court of Justice of the European Union, followed by professional exchanges with European colleagues.

The key part of the Congress is still to come and will focus on discussions concerning the current challenges facing the European judiciary, issues relating to judicial independence, and professional standards in judicial practice, as well as the adoption of resolutions following the meeting.

The participation of representatives of the Association of Judges of Ukraine in the work of the European Association of Judges remains an important element of international professional dialogue and the exchange of experience with European colleagues. It also contributes to strengthening the presence of the Ukrainian judicial community within the European legal sphere and provides an opportunity to present Ukraine’s experience of maintaining the functioning of the justice system during wartime and throughout the ongoing transformation of the judiciary.

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