Brussels hosted this 4th and 5th december the 98th Meeting of the Contact Points of the European Judicial Network (EJN) in Civil and Commercial Matters. The International Union of Judicial Officers (UIHJ) was represented by its Secretary of the Board, Patrick Gielen, while the European Union of Judicial Officers (UEHJ) was represented by Duarte Pinto, a member of its Executive Committee. Over two days, the contact points of the network convened to discuss critical advancements and share experiences in the field of cross-border judicial cooperation.
The meeting opened with introductory remarks from Mr. Andreas Stein of the European Commission’s DG JUST, followed by an update on EJN activities presented by Ms. Sophie Chaigneau, secretary of the EJN. These sessions set the tone for the event, emphasizing the network’s commitment to fostering seamless judicial cooperation among member states.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to experiences shared by representatives from the UK, Georgia, and Ukraine regarding the practical operation of the Service convention of the HCCH. These insights highlighted challenges and best practices, offering a comparative perspective on the implementation of these critical legal frameworks.
A central theme of the conference was the digital transformation within the judicial cooperation framework. Presentations led by Ms. Haldi Koit and Dragos Serban, DG JUST representatives, showcased the European Commission’s efforts to modernize cross-border processes. The focus was on the rollout of a reference implementation system designed to streamline communication through e-CODEX between central authorities regarding service regulation. The commission pointed also out new digital tools like electronic case filing through the European Electronic Access Points and provisions for remote court hearings.
The EJN adopted also the Taking of Evidence Practice Guide. Co-Chaired by Ms. Jana Hofmannova and Ms. Stephanie Ploetzgen-Kamradt, this document aims to standardize practices across member states, ensuring consistency and clarity in the application of ToE regulations.
The second day featured an overview of recent case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), with discussions on the implications for SoD and ToE regulations. The sessions also explored the operational aspects of these regulations under the Recast framework, fostering a shared understanding of evolving legal standards.
