February 2022 Conference: Proposals for the EU to take into account the non-implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights

Last week, EIN co-hosted a conference and debate along with the Carré de Malberg Research Institute (IRCM) in Strasbourg on 17 February 2022. The Conference debate, organised under the scientific responsability of Professor Christos Giannopoulos, focused on mainstreaming the execution of European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgments in the European Union’s processes. The Conference included an Appeal by EIN and its partners for EU institutions to consider the execution of ECtHR judgments in the review mechanisms of the rule of law. 

The Conference began with warm welcomes by Peggy Ducoulombier, Professor at the University of Strasbourg, who also provided a short presentation on the context of rule of law backsliding in Europe.

 Next, George Stafford, EIN Director, presented on “What is the situation today regarding the consideration of ECHR judgments, and their execution, in the EU's rule of law review mechanisms?”

After George’s presentation, a panel discussion took place. Panellists included Dr. Nóra Novoszádek, Senior Legal Officer, Hungarian Helsinki Committee, Fredrik Sundberg, former Head of the Department for the Execution of Judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, and Katarina Barley, Vice-President of the European Parliament and member of the plenary assembly of the Conference on the future of Europe . EIN Board members Krassimir Kanev, chair of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, and Marcin Szwed, from the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (Poland) contributed to the exchange through video messages. You can find Mr Kanev’s video here, and Mr Szwed’s contribution here.

The Conference then turned to a public debate on the place of the ECHR judgments in the EU rule of law review mechanisms.

The final presentation was given by Agnès Ciccarone, EIN Programme Manager, on EIN’s Appeal for the European Union to take into account the execution of ECHR judgments (see the French version of the Appel here). George Stafford and Professor Christos Gioannopoulos concluded the Conference for the evening. 

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Conference, including those who followed us online. We especially thank those who presented and organized the event.

Photo Credit: EIN

EIN would also like to thank the city of Strasbourg for co-funding this event.