FLORIANA, 20-22 October 2025 – Under Malta’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the country hosted the first-ever joint meetings of all working groups of the Council of Europe’s European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ). The three-day event marked a historic milestone in the body’s 23-year history, bringing together its full network of experts outside Strasbourg for the first time.
Opening the high-level segment, CEPEJ President Judge Francesco Depasquale welcomed delegates and expressed pride in convening the landmark meetings in Malta. He thanked the Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, Hon. Jonathan Attard, for his continued support, while reaffirming the CEPEJ’s mission to strengthen justice systems, uphold democratic values and reinforce the rule of law across Europe.
In his address, the Hon. Minister underscored Malta’s ongoing commitment to judicial reform, highlighting the importance of transparency, digitalisation and public trust in ensuring effective and accessible justice. He noted that the discussions held in Malta would play a key role in shaping the CEPEJ’s future strategic direction.
Over the course of the meetings, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the 2026–2029 CEPEJ Action Plan, upcoming programmes of activity and shared priorities, including rebuilding trust in justice systems, harnessing technological innovation and promoting greater accessibility to legal professions for young people.
The programme was complemented by cultural activities, giving participants an opportunity to experience Malta’s rich heritage while fostering stronger connections within the European judicial community.