The 9th Conference of Presidents of the Courts of Appeal of the European Union, held in Reims, France, from 1 to 3 June 2026, was attended by Mr Hakan Bulut, Rapporteur Judge of our Council and the Turkish member of the Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE).
The conference, hosted by the First Presidents of the Courts of Appeal of Reims and Limoges, brought together the presidents of the courts of appeal and representatives of the higher judiciary from European Union member states. With approximately 50 representatives in attendance, the conference addressed a range of topics, including the seizure and forfeiture/confiscation of the assets derived from crimes, the use of artificial intelligence, public confidence in the judiciary, and the role of court presidents in protecting the rule of law.
During the working sessions held as part of the conference, current practices and experiences from European countries were exchanged, with particular emphasis placed on the use of artificial intelligence technologies in judicial systems, mechanisms for combating the proceeds of crime, strengthening public confidence in the judiciary, and institutional approaches aimed at safeguarding the rule of law. Furthermore, representatives of higher courts from various countries shared with participants the work being carried out in these areas and examples of best practice.
On the sidelines of the conference, bilateral discussions took place with representatives from various countries, notably the host country, France, providing an opportunity to make evaluations regarding the advancement of judicial cooperation.
The Conference of Presidents of the Courts of Appeal of the European Union are organised with the aim of promoting the exchange of knowledge and experience on judicial matters among European countries, evaluating examples of best practice, and developing international judicial cooperation. Considering the recent work carried out by our Council with the Council of Europe, the Organisation of Turkic States, the judicial institutions of Balkan countries as well as various international judicial networks, it has been evaluated that this conference has contributed to strengthening our Council’s relations with international judicial circles and to its multifaceted judicial diplomacy activities.
