On 16 June 2026, the President of the Court, Mattias Guyomar, addressed the participants of the informal conference of Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe, held in Strasbourg. Taking place under the Monegasque Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the conference focused on combating financial crime with an aim to enhance judicial systems’ ability to address current financial and technological threats.

The President of the Court spoke about the Court’s role in ensuring the effectiveness of the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism. 

He noted that the Convention system is particularly well-suited to support and accompany the action of States in combatting financial crime.

“The Convention constitutes the common legal framework in Europe within which the actions carried out by States must unfold,” said President Guyomar, adding that the Convention guarantees contribute to legitimising the measures that States adopt.

Citing the Court’s case-law, the President concluded that the fight against financial crime - a matter of public order and a democratic imperative – should be anchored in a framework that fully respects the rule of law, including at the international level.

• Speech by President Mattias Guyomar (in French only)