Judicial cooperation: European judicial training network. Initiative France

PURPOSE : to set up a European judicial training network. CONTENT : this initiative, proposed by France, aims to enable national schools and institutions with the specific task of training judges and prosecutors in the Member States to meet on a regular basis and take advantage of the resources available in order to develop common programmes and training tools in due course. In the initial stages, the Network will build up its activities solely in criminal matters. The Network's objectives will be: - to further mutual knowledge of the legal and judicial systems; - to improve the use of European and international instruments; - to exchange experience and identify training needs; - to encourage the coordination of judicial training programmes planned by the Member States; - to develop training measures for members of the judiciary. Every year the Network will present a programme of activities designed to encourage: - knowledge of European judicial systems and cooperation mechanisms; - language skills; - organisation of training courses and exchanges; - the development of training programmes for members of the judiciary who are called upon to participate in activities in third countries to restore the rule of law. In order to achieve effective communication between the members of the Network, electronic means will be used and a web site accessible to the public will be created. The initiative suggests giving the role of Secretariat to the Commission. The bodies of the Network will be the Governing Board and the Secretariat. The Governing Board will adopt the annual programme. The annual activities report, prepared by the Secretary-General and adopted by the Governing Board, will be forwarded to the Commission, the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee. The text proposes that the Network be financed by the general budget of the European Union.�