A Transformational Initiative for Judicial Officers

The European Union of Judicial Officers (UEHJ), in collaboration with the Academy of European Law (ERA) and the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN), has successfully completed an ambitious EU-funded project aimed at enhancing the legal and linguistic skills of judicial officers across Europe. Over a period of two years, this initiative has provided 18 high-level training sessions, equipping judicial officers with essential expertise in cross-border civil and criminal law.

The project, officially titled “Training Court Staff and Judicial Officers in Cross-Border Civil and Criminal Law Procedures” and funded under the Justice Program 2021-2027, sought to bridge gaps in judicial training by offering both legal and language-focused sessions. It addressed the growing need for standardization in judicial enforcement procedures across EU Member States while strengthening cross-border cooperation.

Milestones Achieved: 18 Trainings, 55 Judicial Officers Trained

From its launch in January 2023, the program saw extensive participation from 55 judicial officers across Europe. The final training session was held on January 30-31, 2025, in Trier and focused on Legal English. This last session marked a significant milestone, as language proficiency remains a key enabler of cross-border judicial cooperation.

Throughout its two-year span, the project successfully delivered 18 training sessions, covering a range of critical topics, including:

  • Introductory and advanced courses on EU civil and criminal law instruments, such as the Brussels I Regulation, the European Payment Order, and the European Arrest Warrant.
  • Interactive legal English training, enhancing participants’ ability to communicate and draft legal documents effectively in an international legal setting.
  • Hybrid learning models, combining face-to-face and online training formats to maximize accessibility.

Each training session provided hands-on, case-based learning experience, ensuring that participants gained practical insights applicable to their daily work. The pan-European scope of the project allowed professionals from various jurisdictions to engage in knowledge-sharing and best practice exchanges.

Innovative Training Methods and Digital Learning Tools

One of the project’s most forward-thinking aspects was the development of an e-learning tool for legal English in criminal law matters. This tool, designed as a self-paced online resource, enables judicial officers to improve their language skills independently, supplementing formal training programs. By leveraging digital learning methodologies, the initiative ensures that knowledge dissemination continues beyond the project’s duration.

Moreover, the training materials developed throughout the project have been standardized and made accessible to judicial training institutions, ensuring long-term sustainability. These resources serve as valuable references for future training sessions within national judicial academies.

A Collaborative Effort Across Europe

The success of this initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of multiple partners, including national judicial training institutions from 15 EU Member States. The UEHJ played a pivotal role in mobilizing judicial officers to participate in these training programs, demonstrating the profession’s commitment to continuous learning and adaptation to evolving European legal frameworks.

The project also showed the benefits of cooperation between legal practitioners and language experts, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in judicial training. The support from the European Commission underscored the EU’s dedication to strengthening judicial competence and ensuring the effective application of European law.

Looking Ahead: A Lasting Impact on Judicial Training

As the project ends, its impact will resonate for years to come. By training 55 judicial officers from 13 EU countries, the initiative has significantly contributed to the professionalization of judicial enforcement across Europe. The creation of standardized training materials, digital learning tools, and a robust network of trained professionals will ensure that its legacy continues.

The UEHJ remains committed to fostering judicial excellence and looks forward to building on the successes of this project through future EU-funded initiatives. By prioritizing education and international cooperation, judicial officers will continue to play a crucial role in upholding justice across borders.

Acknowledgments

The UEHJ extends its gratitude to the ERA, EJTN, the European Commission, and all participating judicial officers for their dedication and contribution to this project. Their collective efforts have laid the foundation for a more interconnected and proficient European judicial system.