On 19 June 2026, the President of the Court spoke at the Conference of French Bar Association Chairs, which took place in Strasbourg. In his speech, the President insisted on the fact that direct and open dialogue between judges and lawyers is essential, particularly at a time when structural attacks target judicial institutions and individual threats weigh on members of both professions. 

Highlighting their role in helping protect the rights of all those who turn to lawyers and to justice, the President added that in its case-law, the Court recognises and protects the rights of the actors of democracy—both judicial and non judicial—who serve as guardians of a democratic society.

Sebastian Rădulețu, judge elected in respect of Romania, Stéphane Pisani, judge elected in respect of Luxembourg, and Anna Adamska Gallant, judge elected in respect of Poland, also addressed the participants during a panel discussion on the role of the Court as a bulwark against attacks on the rule of law.

• Speech by President Mattias Guyomar (in French only)