Judges conference stresses need for consistent application of law

Representatives of Croatia's highest judicial institutions, alongside senior officials from the Court of Justice of the European Union, gathered at an open conference of judges focused on judicial dialogue and the uniform application of law.

The conference brought together members of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union to discuss the growing importance of legal consistency in an increasingly complex European legal framework.

Supreme Court President Mirta Matić highlighted the importance of clear and consistent legal standards in strengthening public trust in the judiciary.

"The role of the Supreme Court in ensuring the uniform application of the law and equality of all before the law affects the sense of justice in society. When the highest courts establish clear and consistent legal standards, the scope for legal uncertainty is reduced, court proceedings are expedited, and the overall efficiency of the judiciary is increased."

Constitutional Court President Frane Staničić said that the consistent application of law has become increasingly important in light of more complex legal relations and the growing influence of European law.

He stressed that uniform legal interpretation is not merely a technical legal issue, but a key element in safeguarding the rule of law, legal certainty and citizens' confidence in judicial institutions.

The President of the Court of Justice of the European Union, Koen Lenaerts, emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between national courts and European judicial bodies.

"It is absolutely key to maintain this open dialogue between judges of three courts. Three partners, which ensure that the law, and in particular EU law, is applied uniformly in Croatia and well beyond, in all the member states," said Lenaerts.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković also addressed the conference, warning that lengthy court proceedings and inconsistent rulings continue to erode public trust in the justice system despite reforms already undertaken.

Plenković added that growing global instability and the weakening of international multilateral institutions have increased the importance of strengthening European law and the role of European judicial institutions in maintaining legal security.