On January 30, 2026, an online meeting took place with the UN Special Rapporteur, Prof. Margaret Satterthwaite.
As part of the preparation for her next thematic report on judicial appointments, the Special Rapporteur wanted to consult with regional judicial associations to better understand current challenges, best practices, and perspectives from the judiciary itself.
The President of EAJ, Ms. Sabine Matejka, Vice President Roland Kempfle and Honorary Presidents Maja Tratnik, Gerhard Reissner and Duro Sessa joined the meeting together with representatives of member associations, representing 12 European countries.
Following the previous call for written input the consultation centered around specific problems with the selection and appointment of judges, current reforms and challenges faced by many European judiciaries.
After the meeting the EAJ´s contribution to the EU rule of law report, prepared by the Working Group on the situation in member associations, was also shared with the Special Rapporteur.
The report of the UN Special Rapporteur will be presented at the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in June 2026.
