Professor Takis Tridimas Reflects on the Challenges to Judicial Independence and Liberal Democracy

Professor Takis Tridimas was a speaker at the Procedural Law Unit Annual Symposium in 2025, following an invitation by the Unit’s Director, Dr. Nicolas Kyriakides. The theme of the symposium, “Judicial Independence and Liberal Democracy under Threat,” addressed one of the most pressing challenges facing contemporary legal systems.

In a recent interview published in the newspaper Phileleftheros, Professor Tridimas further elaborated on the key issues that formed the focus of his contribution to the Symposium. He emphasised that judicial independence and accountability are not competing principles, but complementary foundations of a justice system that is credible, effective and capable of maintaining public trust. According to Professor Tridimas, the European Union has developed a legal framework to safeguard judicial independence, particularly through the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the obligation of Member States, under Article 19 TEU, to ensure effective judicial protection.

The interview highlights the importance of institutional safeguards governing the appointment, evaluation and disciplinary oversight of judges. Professor Tridimas stressed that independence does not preclude scrutiny; rather, transparent procedures, objective criteria, and protection from political influence are essential to ensuring both independence and accountability. At the EU level, additional monitoring mechanisms, such as the European Commission’s Rule of Law Reports and structured dialogue with Member States, contribute to maintaining high standards across national judicial systems.

With particular reference to Cyprus, Professor Tridimas noted the significance of ongoing judicial reforms aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening accountability, and enhancing the overall quality of justice. He underscored that public confidence depends not only on institutional independence, but also on the timely and effective administration of justice, clear and well-reasoned judicial decisions, and transparent governance of the courts.

Professor Tridimas’ interview reinforces the central message of the 2025 Symposium that safeguarding judicial independence, while ensuring appropriate mechanisms of accountability, is essential for the protection of the rule of law and the resilience of liberal democracy.

Read the full interview: https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/international/takis-tridimas-judicial-independence-eu-rule-of-law/