Judicial Independence, Rule of Law, and Public Trust

As public trust in institutions declines, judges across Central and Eastern Europe are turning to a powerful tool to protect democracy: good communication.

Over 60 judges, court spokespersons, and experts from 19 Central and Eastern European countries gathered at the CEELI Institute on 13–14 November for the regional workshop “Judicial Communication with Media and Public – Judicial Independence, Rule of Law and Public Trust II.”

Experts unanimously agreed that judges not only can, but must, communicate with the public and media. Over two days, this remarkable event provided a unique space for judges, court spokespersons, and experts to develop practical skills for communicating effectively, strategically, and transparently with the public and media, especially during times of increasing institutional pressure.

The workshop was made possible through the generous support of the Swiss government. The event commenced with formal remarks from Zarah Schmidt, Swiss Deputy Head of Mission; Robert R. Strang, CEELI Executive Director; Marcela Petrová Entlichová, Program Manager; and a keynote from Judge Anna Adamska-Gallant, PhD, of the European Court of Human Rights. 

In her outstanding keynote address, Judge Anna Adamska-Gallant spoke about the apparent increasing pressures from politicians and cautioned that such forces can threaten judicial independence, as well as democracy at its core. Judge Jan Passer of the Court of Justice of the European Union similarly emphasized that the EU’s legal framework depends fundamentally on the independence of national courts.  

The first panel highlighted this overarching theme: The Rule of Law Under Pressure. This engaging discussion addressed recent events, emerging threats, and the issue of democratic backsliding that impact the rule of law, along with the importance of judicial communication in facing these issues. The panel included practicing judges from the region. 

Judge Manjola Xhaxho of Albania highlighted the challenges following Albania’s judicial reforms, which led to fewer judges and increased case backlogs. She stressed that a lack of clear communication with the public can fuel frustration and even endanger safety, citing the 2025 courtroom shooting of Judge Astrit Kalaja as a result of delayed proceedings. However, Judge Xhaxho noted positive change: Albanian media now reports more accurately on justice-sector issues, and the judicial association is actively advocating for improvements.  

“Effective communication is essential to protect both judicial independence and public safety,” Judge Manjola Xhaxho 

In the second part of the workshop, special sessions with incredible media expert Ioanna Lachana from the European Court of Human Rights provided hands-on guidance on crafting impactful messages without compromising judicial integrity. 

The judges demonstrated strong interest in Judicial–Media Councils, with inspiring examples from North Macedonia, Estonia, and Lithuania. The session “Being the Bridge Between the Media and Judiciary” showcased North Macedonia’s innovative Council, a formal platform enabling consistent dialogue between judges and journalists. Participants explored how it enhances transparency, improves media access to proceedings, and builds public trust while safeguarding judicial independence, offering a model that may be adapted in other CEE jurisdictions. 

The workshop concluded with a clear message: transparent and thoughtful communication is not a threat to judicial independence; it is one of its strongest safeguards. H.E. Mr. Urs Beat Bucher, Ambassador of Switzerland, noted that there could be no better time for such initiatives than now.