Message from the EJTN Secretary General
2025 was a landmark year for the European Judicial Training Network: for a quarter of a century, EJTN has stood at the heart of judicial training and cooperation in Europe, supporting judges, prosecutors and court staff in carrying out their responsibilities independently, impartially and in full respect of the Rule of Law. Over 25 years, together with our members, associate members, observers and partners, EJTN has evolved to meet the changing training needs and challenges of European justice systems.
The year 2025 was no different. Through a range of impactful training activities, EJTN continued its mission to foster judicial cooperation, mutual trust and a common European judicial culture, while contributing to a strong Europe of justice.
In 2025, EJTN organised 947 activities, delivered XXX training days, and reached 13,915 judges, prosecutors, court staff and trainers from across Europe – an increase of 27% in participation from the previous year. The impact of these activities was made possible by the strong engagement of our members, who, in collaboration with partners, innovate and design training tailored to the real-life needs of the judiciary.
The digital transformation of justice continued to drive our activities. Building on work initiated the previous year, EJTN strengthened its strategic approach to digitalisation through innovative initiatives with the multiplier effect at their core.
One key example was the EJTN Digital Ambassadors Programme, which empowered over 130 justice practitioners from more than 20 EU Member States to act as agents of digital change. This pioneering initiative, first launched in 2025 and now entering its second year, demonstrates that digital transformation is not only about tools, but also about empowering people and fostering a culture open to change.
“For a quarter of a century, EJTN has stood at the heart of judicial training and cooperation in Europe”
Alongside digitalisation, EJTN remained committed to the Rule of Law, fundamental rights, competitiveness and gender equality in justice. Reflection on the wellbeing of justice practitioners was also launched, and we plan to explore this important theme in future activities. Partnerships with key institutions continued to grow in scope and impact, as demonstrated by the 2025 THEMIS Competition Grand Final held at the Court of Justice of the European Union and the second round of long-term training periods at the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
While this year had a special focus on celebrating EJTN’s past achievements, it was also an opportunity to look ahead and prepare for the next 25 years of judicial training and cooperation. Together with key stakeholders, we initiated discussions on EJTN’s next Strategic Plan and began shaping initiatives that will define the next chapter of our Network.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all EJTN members, associate members, observers and partners for their commitment throughout 2025, as well as to the European Commission for their continuous support. I look forward to continuing to build on the great work achieved in 2025, and to working towards greater coordination of our members’ actions in order to support the implementation of the Commission’s Judicial Training Strategy 2025-2030. I hope you enjoy reading this report!
From our stakeholders
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 2025, the annual General Assembly took place in Gdańsk, Poland on 11-12 June. Organised under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the General Assembly gave the delegates an opportunity to discuss the future of the Network as well as vote on the mandates of the EJTN Secretary General, the members of the EJTN Steering Committee and the Conveners of the EJTN Working Groups. 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.
EJTN’s strategic objectives
During the 25th anniversary year of the Network, EJTN initiated the work towards the new EJTN Strategic Plan 2028-2034, which will be focused on contemporary challenges and the consolidation of the European Area of Justice. This important reflection was a key focus at the Conference of Directors held in Bordeaux, France. Three key themes – security, transformation, and democratic resilience – guided the conversations.
To explore the current EJTN 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.