The International Union of Judicial Officers (UIHJ), represented by Patrick Gielen, Secretary-General, participated in the 23rd Annual Meeting of the European Judicial Network in Civil and Commercial Matters (EJN), held on 27 and 28 January 2025 in Brussels. This high-level gathering brought together key legal professionals from across Europe to discuss the challenges and opportunities in judicial cooperation.
During the meeting, the UIHJ had the privilege of taking part in a roundtable discussion alongside representatives from the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), the Council of the Notariats of the European Union (CNUE), and court staff. This session focused on how legal professionals can engage more effectively with the EJN, strengthening the cooperation between enforcement professionals and judicial institutions.
Patrick Gielen highlighted the crucial role of judicial officers in ensuring the effective enforcement of court decisions, facilitating cross-border legal cooperation, and contributing to the modernization of enforcement practices. He underscored the importance of harmonizing procedures across jurisdictions and enhancing the visibility of enforcement mechanisms within the European judicial framework.
UIHJ’s Contributions to Judicial Cooperation
The UIHJ used this platform to emphasize the added value of enforcement professionals in the European legal ecosystem. Among the key points addressed were:
- The role of judicial officers in ensuring that court rulings are effectively enforced, reinforcing public trust in the justice system.
- The importance of cross-border cooperation in enforcement matters, particularly under the Brussels Ia Regulation.
- The growing involvement of judicial officers in alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, to improve access to justice.
- The need for digital innovation in enforcement procedures, ensuring efficiency while upholding fundamental rights.
Strengthening Collaboration with the EJN
As a long-time partner of European institutions, the UIHJ reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the EJN to develop practical solutions that benefit both legal professionals and citizens. The UIHJ also welcomed discussions on expanding access to training programs for enforcement professionals, aligning with broader efforts to enhance legal certainty and procedural efficiency.
The Annual Meeting provided a unique opportunity for judicial officers to exchange best practices and discuss future projects that could further strengthen judicial cooperation in Europe. The UIHJ looks forward to continued collaboration with the EJN and other stakeholders to build a more cohesive, accessible, and efficient justice system across Europe.
