19 May 2026 was the kickoff of the Train the Trainers’ Workshop on AI and the Justice Sector in Civil Matters. This workshop was organised within the scope of the new project Judiciary Utilising Smart Technologies: AI and Blockchain for Optimised Compliance in the EU (JUST AI-BLOC EU) as co-financed by the European Commission.
The European Union of Judicial Officers (UEHJ) is one of the partners within this project, which is coordinated by the European Institute for Public Administration (EIPA) through EIPA Luxembourg – European Centre for Judges and Lawyers (ECJL).
One of the objectives of the project is to provide trainers with a comprehensive understanding of the role and impact of artificial intelligence within the European legal and judicial framework. The first workshop aimed to examine the legal foundations and practical implications of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, with particular emphasis on its application in civil and commercial matters.
Attention further was given to key human rights considerations, including ethical principles, transparency, data protection, and human oversight in the use of AI systems in the justice sector.
Through practical examples, interactive exercises, and the exchange of best practices in legal training, the participants were equipped to critically assess AI-related legal issues and to effectively communicate and teach complex topics related to AI and digital technologies in professional or educational settings.
Trainers in this first workshop were:
- Nadia Rusinova, Attorney-at-law, Qualified Mediator for Bulgaria and the Netherlands at the International Mediation Institute and Lecturer in International/European private law at The Hague University, International and European Law Department;
- Jos Uitdehaag, first vice president UIHJ (International Union of Judicial Officers), Treasurer at the International Institute for Justice Excellence and Legal Reform and Legal Drafting expert;
- Cristina M. Mariottini, Lecturer at EIPA Luxembourg in charge of training and consultancy for the judiciary and other legal professionals as well as officials from the national administrations and EU institutions in relation to European Union’s Area of Freedom Security and Justice.
Two more Train the Trainers workshops are planned in the upcoming months.
