1526th Meeting of the Committee of Ministers (23 April 2025) EU Statement on the occasion of President Bošnjak’s address to the CM

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

Dear President Bošnjak,

On behalf of the European Union and its member States, I would like to thank you for your leadership as President of the European Court of Human Rights since July 2024. 

Under your guidance, the Court has remained steadfast in its commitment to defending the rule of law and upholding the rights of individuals. You have steered the Court with humility and courage, navigating many difficult dilemmas at the intersection of dignity, autonomy, and life itself. On many occasions, you have shown how the Court must walk the fine line between judicial restraint and principled intervention. Throughout your mandate, you have placed particular emphasis on themes related to the environment and the rights of future generations, recognizing their growing importance for the future of human rights protection.

Internally, your efforts to improve transparency and institutional ethics—through changes to the Court’s Rules and the creation of a new Ethics Council—speak volumes of your dedication to the Court’s credibility and integrity. You have led by example in shaping “a Court that matters.”

Your commitment to public outreach has been particularly important as we mark the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights this year. You have significantly strengthened the visibility and accessibility of the Court, notably through intensified judicial dialogue and active engagement with national and international stakeholders. By meeting numerous delegations, participating in bilateral exchanges with superior courts, and supporting the expansion of the Superior Courts Network, you have made a valuable contribution to promoting the Convention system both within and beyond Europe. Your efforts have demonstrated that in times when democratic values are under strain, judges must not remain in perceived ivory towers.

These outreach initiatives have further cemented the Court’s place as a central actor in the broader European human rights architecture.

Your legacy is one not only of legal refinement but of moral clarity. The Court has been more visible and stronger during your leadership. This is particularly important for numerous citizens whose rights were vindicated and for future generations whose voices you have amplified.

Finalement, votre maitrise parfaite de la langue française témoigne de votre dévouement personnel à la mission bilingue de notre organisation et celle de la Cour. 

We thank you for your service and wish you every success in your future endeavours.