On 30 January 2026, the solemn hearing for the opening of the judicial year took place in the Human Rights building. Mattias Guyomar, President of the Court, and Prof. Dr. Stephan Harbarth, President of the German Federal Constitutional Court, addressed senior representatives of the Council of Europe, Presidents of the highest courts of the 46 member States of the Council of Europe, as well as former judges of the Court, ambassadors, dignitaries of the host State, and other high-level invitees.

 Speech by President Mattias Guyomar

• Video of the solemn hearing: Original language - English - French