Senior judges convene in Cyprus

Hosted by the Supreme Court of Cyprus, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026, the Conference, held in Lemesos, brought together the members, associate members and observers of the network, as well as representatives of the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Court of Human Rights and the Supreme Court of Canada. 

The conference was structured around two working sessions, addressing matters of ongoing importance for the highest courts.

It opened with a working session on “Rule of Law: Challenges in the 21st Century” moderated by Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell. Introductory presentations were delivered by Dr Tatu Leppänen, president of the Supreme Court of Finland; Dr Síofra O’Leary, Hauser/Remarque fellow at NYU and former president of the European Court of Human Rights; Mr Maciej Szpunar, first advocate general of the Court of Justice of the European Union; and The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, PC, Chief Justice of Canada. A free discussion involving all presidents and speakers followed.

The ensuing discussions invited participants to reflect on what they regard as the most significant challenges to the rule of law in Europe and beyond, and to what extent these challenges are reflected in their own jurisdictions. Participants were also invited to consider what role, if any, Supreme Courts should play in responding to challenges to the rule of law beyond deciding individual cases. Finally, the session turned to the lessons that can be learned from jurisdictions that have experienced democratic backsliding or erosion of the rule of law, particularly as regards the restoration of the rule of law and of public confidence in institutions.

Chief Justice Donal O’ Donnell, president of the network, said: “The objective for creating the Network back in 2004 was nothing less than ‘to form a homogenous community’. We now face issues that dwarf anything that would have engaged the founding members of the Network in 2004 – the rule of law is under express and explicit challenge around the world. 

“It is precisely in this climate that the exchange between our highest courts is so valuable. I want to thank all the speakers of today, and indeed all participants, for the frank and engaged dialogue. My sincere thanks go also to President Stamatiou and the Supreme Court of Cyprus for their kind hospitality in welcoming us to Lemesos and for all the work done in organizing this Colloquium.”