We are excited to announce that the EU-wide conference for the LIGHT project took place last October in Budapest, Hungary, gathering representatives from five EU member states—Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Poland, and Romania—to address key challenges in the Rule of Law
The conference featured presentations on the project’s training methodology, key achievements and innovative approaches, along with discussions of valuable insights from national experiences. It was concluded with an enlightening policy roundtable, where legal experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Europe shared experiences, discussed barriers, and reflected on how policies have addressed or failed to address these challenges.
Each participating country highlighted distinct issues affecting their legal and judicial systems. Greece underscored serious human rights concerns, such as push-backs and covert surveillance, and pointed to growing distrust in the judicial system’s independence and impartiality. Bulgaria focused on cooperation in criminal matters, concerns over SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) cases targeting journalists and procedural specifics on fundamental rights protection in strategic litigation. Hungary emphasized unequal access to justice, particularly for marginalized groups, signs of potential corruption, and government interventions affecting judicial independence. Romania noticed the curtailed access to justice and gendered SPAPPs, while Poland highlighted an ongoing institutional crisis and the perceived erosion of judicial independence, with questions surrounding the legitimacy of recent judicial appointments and court rulings.
The roundtable concluded with recommendations that emphasize the need to strengthen the skills of lawyers in the Rule of Law acquis, as they serve as key defenders of judicial integrity across Europe. Participants also called for stronger transnational cooperation to promote consistent standards and share effective practices. In direct response to these insights, the LIGHT project has developed am accessible e-course designed to equip lawyers and legal professionals with critical knowledge and practical tools to actively support and uphold the Rule of Law.
The e-course allow participants to deepen their understanding of Rule of Law principles at their own pace by visiting the following link https://cecl.edu.gr/course/index.php?categoryid=4 .
We invite all beneficiaries to explore this valuable resource which is a unique opportunity to engage with high-quality training, gain practical knowledge, and become active supporters of a stronger Rule of Law in Europe.
As the LIGHT Project progresses, we are inspired by the collaborative efforts driving it forward, fostering shared learning and actionable solutions to some of Europe’s most pressing legal challenges. Together, we’re laying a foundation for stronger, more resilient legal systems, reinforcing a Rule of Law that all citizens deserve.
