On 19 October 2026, Stéphane Pisani, judge elected in respect of Luxembourg, spoke at the conference On the Independence of the Judiciary – A European Comparison organised by the Deutsche Richterakademie in Wustrau, Germany.

In his remarks, Judge Pisani stressed that judicial independence is one of the prerequisites for the separation of powers, which in turn constitutes a fundamental element of the rule of law and democracy. Referring to the Court’s case-law, he further elaborated on the concepts of separation of powers, democracy and its fundamental values, as well as on the notions of judicial independence and impartiality.

Judge Pisani also addressed contemporary threats to judicial independence, including political pressures, and noted that both the Council of Europe and the European Union are committed to safeguarding judicial independence through a range of institutions, mechanisms, and legal texts.