The Brijuni Statement of Principles of the Independence of the Judiciary has been published as a landmark contribution by the Conference of Chief Justices of Central and Eastern Europe to the promotion of judicial independence and integrity under the rule of law. The conference provides a platform for Chief Justices to discuss common challenges, share ideas, and work towards solutions. The CEELI Institute is proud to support the publication and distribution of the Brijuni Statement, which sets clear objectives and goals for every judiciary to achieve. The Principles also educate national governing bodies and society on the role of the Judiciary and the critical nature of judicial independence in fulfilling that role. The Brijuni Statement will contribute to building public respect for the Judiciary and its judges and provide foundational support for continued rule of law development.

The CEELI Institute has been honored to support the work of the Conference of Chief Justices of Central and Eastern Europe since its inception in 2011, which was preceded by two Judicial Integrity Roundtables held at the Institute in 2007 and 2010. The Conference itself was formally launched in Prague, at the CEELI Institute, with support from the U.S. Department of State, and with the commitment of United States Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who attended the first Conference, and Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.