“The new generation of Montenegrin judges plays a key role in shaping the future of justice and the rule of law, essential steps on Montenegro’s path to the European Union”, stated the newly appointed Vice President of the European Court of Human Rights, Judge Ivana Jelić, during a workshop for the Network of Young Judges held in Podgorica. The event was organised by the AIRE Centre, with the support of the British Embassy in Podgorica.
Judge Jelić has supported the Network of Young Judges since its inception, emphasising its importance in providing young judges with opportunities to discuss contemporary issues in European justice alongside national legal matters.
“I see this project as supporting the independence of the judiciary, educating judicial office holders, and assisting Montenegro on its EU path. It also contributes to the effective realisation of the fundamental principle of the European Convention on Human Rights — the principle of subsidiarity, which only works if national courts are functioning well and applying European legal standards”, said Judge Jelić.
Three years since its establishment, the Network of Young Judges, initiated by the AIRE Centre in collaboration with the Judicial Training Centre of Montenegro, now includes over one-third of the country’s judges. Today, the new generation of judges expressed their commitment and readiness to enhance judicial practice through the strengthening of human rights protection and the implementation of European legal standards.
“This network is a vital platform for the continuous education and professional development of young judges, directly contributing to the strengthening of Montenegro’s judiciary”, stated Đina Popović, Project Manager at the AIRE Centre.
Ivana Jelić, the first judge from the region to be elected Vice President of the European Court of Human Rights, will begin her term in November 2024. Her role will further strengthen the connection between the European Court of Human Rights and the judicial systems of the Western Balkans.
“My election as Vice President of the European Court of Human Rights is another step toward breaking the so-called ‘glass ceiling,’ as I am the first judge from Eastern Europe, from a non-EU country, and the first woman from this part of Europe to hold this position”, noted Judge Jelić.
She emphasised that her upcoming mandate will focus on maintaining and enhancing relationships with constitutional and supreme courts of the Council of Europe member states, cooperation with international courts, and collaboration with civil society and law faculties.
“Collaboration with civil society and law faculties is particularly important for developing high-quality legal professionals who will not only serve their countries but also be competitive at the European level. This includes improving internship opportunities at the Court, working with European judges and the Court’s Registry, and participating in joint educational programs where judges and lawyers from Strasbourg will contribute”, explained Jelić.
The workshop, titled “Challenges in the Work of the European Court of Human Rights: Current Issues in Civil and Criminal Law”, provided participants with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the Court’s latest practices.
As in previous years, this year’s workshop covered the most significant ECHR judgments from the past year, as well as challenges in legal protection of human rights and freedoms. “The legal standards set by the Court in three cases regarding climate change in April 2024, as well as rulings addressing democratic backsliding and the crisis in protecting the rule of law in Europe, were the main focus”, Jelić added.
The program also included lectures from other national experts, including Senka Danilović, Justice of the Supreme Court of Montenegro, and Rade Ćetković, Judge of the Basic Court in Podgorica and a member of the Judicial Council, who spoke about security measures and children’s rights in family proceedings.
“The Network of Young Judges is already playing a crucial role in building the capacity of the national judiciary, and such gatherings contribute to their professional advancement and the more effective resolution of complex legal issues”, concluded Đina Popović.