Malta underscored its unwavering commitment to judicial reform and independence during the closing ceremony of the THEMIS 2025 semi-final competition, held this week in Malta. The event brought together judicial professionals from eleven European countries to engage in comparative legal reasoning and debate on EU and European Criminal Procedural Law.
In a keynote address, Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, Dr Jonathan Attard, highlighted Malta’s reform efforts aimed at reinforcing the foundations of the justice system. He stated that the government is fully focused on ensuring robust accountability procedures and the highest ethical standards across the judiciary. These reforms, he noted, are part of a broader vision to uphold the rule of law and protect the dignity and integrity of those who serve in judicial office.
“This government has consistently led reforms that strengthen the judiciary, and we remain deeply committed to advancing developments that safeguard the dignity, authority, and integrity of those who serve in this crucial constitutional role,” the minister affirmed.
He also reiterated the government’s support for the ongoing constitutional reform process in Parliament, describing it as a product of institutional maturity and mutual respect between the executive and the judiciary. “These developments are guided by one overriding principle: the best interests of justice and its proper administration,” he added.
THEMIS 2025 was organised in collaboration with the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN) and hosted by the Judicial Studies Committee of Malta, who are responsible for the initial and continuous training of the judiciary. The Committee plays a central role in legal education, offering newly appointed judges comprehensive training in judicial ethics, EU law, and human rights. It also facilitates Malta’s participation in international judicial exchange programmes and hosts regular seminars in partnership with European institutions.
The minister emphasised that the THEMIS competition is a prestigious European event that strengthens legal excellence, European solidarity, and a shared commitment to the rule of law.
He expressed his gratitude to the organisers, the Judicial Studies Committee – represented by Judge Joanne Vella Cuschieri – and to the members of the jury, including Judge Aaron Bugeja and Judge Eugène Buttigieg of the Court of Justice of the European Union, for their valuable contributions.
