The CCPE’s 18th plenary meeting was held on 19-20 October 2023 in Strasbourg.
Opinion No. 18 (2023) on Councils of Prosecutors as key bodies of prosecutorial self-governance has been adopted. It notes that Councils of Prosecutors are becoming increasingly widespread in member States, in light of the diversity of their legal systems, traditions and cultures, and emphasises their institutional value for securing the effective and impartial functioning of the prosecution services through their independent decision-making. Opinion No. 18 (2023) provides a set of recommendations as regards the status, composition, competence and functioning of Councils.
The plenary meeting has also adopted the Overview of Councils of Prosecutors and other bodies dealing with prosecutorial self-governance in member States in the form of thematic study. The Overview provides factual information in member States and demonstrates the currently existing institutions and practices.
The CCPE thematic study on digitalisation in the work of the prosecution services and international co-operation has also been adopted. It highlights the current state of affairs in member States as regards the use of electronic files and procedures, data tools, videoconference facilities including online platforms, funding issues, innovative technologies, as well as digitalisation of the prosecution services in the context of international co-operation.
Justice Francesco Depasquale, President of the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ), addressed the CCPE during the plenary meeting highlighting the CEPEJ activities and proposals for further co-operation between the CEPEJ and the CCPE. The CCPE thanked Justice Depasquale and underlined its readiness to follow up on his proposals.
Abridged report of the plenary meeting
Opinion No. 18 (2023) on Councils of Prosecutors as key bodies of prosecutorial self-governance
