Justice Ministers Gather Aiming to Boost Legal System and Digitalization
International Gathering on Judicial Matters: Nations Anticipate Alleviation - Ministers of Justice from Various Nations Convene: Expectations for Alleviation
Here's a lowdown on the impending gathering of state justice ministers, set to take place in Bad Schandau, with the new federal justice minister, Stefanie Hubig (SPD), leading the charge.
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The federal states are in dire need of support from the federal government to maintain the functioning of the justice system, according to the justice minister of Saxony, Constanze Geiert (CDU). By 2030, up to half of the judges and public prosecutors in Saxony may retire, leaving a considerable vacancy in the system. Adding to this challenge, Saxony, being a state with an external border, faces significant instability due to human smuggling, a problem Geiert doesn't believe is solely Saxony's to solve.
Hubig has announced plans to forge a fresh "Pact for the Rule of Law" with the states. In the Bundestag, she spoke of the need for additional structural support, such as digitalization and personnel reinforcement. Geiert encourages this pact's early realization. On Thursday and Friday, Geiert will host Hubig and her fellow state justice ministers for the Justice Ministers' Conference.
The conference will touch upon a range of topics, from digitizing the justice system, speeding up asylum court proceedings, revamping the Code of Criminal Procedure, to granting new investigative powers to law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the planned new "Pact for the Rule of Law", enhanced child and domestic violence protection, alterations to criminal law, and the addition of femicides to the Criminal Code will be discussed.
Geiert emphasized the need to reduce the backlog of reforms in the area of procedural laws and ease the burden on the justice system. The ultimate aim is to boost the system's efficiency, particularly in the Code of Criminal Procedure (StPO), thus alleviating the courts and public prosecutors' offices. The conference will also address the reinforcement of protection for lay judges, an initiative introduced by Saxony.
The conference coincides with the onset of the new federal government, per Geiert. This gathering offers a prime opportunity for state justice ministers to engage with the new federal justice minister on forthcoming legal policy and justice matters for the first time. Geiert is optimistic about the new federal government and anticipates that justice will benefit from the momentum generated in terms of strengthening the rule of law and digitization.
A successful working partnership between the federal government and the states is crucial in addressing the constraints faced by the justice system in the states, Geiert concludes. She hopes that the Justice Ministers' Conference will mark the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between the states and the federal government.
Extra Insights:
- Recent international events, such as the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting in Berlin, Germany, showcase international cooperation but don't specifically tackle German rule of law or digitalization issues. [2]
- A virtual event on the sidelines of the 34th session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) centered around equal access to justice and partnership opportunities. [3]
- French and German ministers have been focusing on bilateral cooperation, addressing themes like EU reforms, competitiveness, and the rule of law. For instance, a meeting between the leaders highlighted the need for deeper cooperation to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy, including democratic resilience and combating disinformation. [1]
- Efforts to strengthen the rule of law in Europe often involve bolstering legal structures and ensuring adherence to democratic principles. This includes addressing challenges like disinformation and ensuring that legal systems are robust and fair. [1]
- Digitalization in Germany involves incorporating technology to streamline public services, improve cybersecurity, and ensure digital governance aligns with legal frameworks. This includes developing strategies to combat cyber interference and promote digital sovereignty. [1]
- Potential outcomes of gatherings like the Justice Ministers' Conference may include:
- Strengthening international cooperation to tackle shared challenges in the rule of law and digital governance.
- Developing or updating legal frameworks to adapt to digital advancements and uphold democratic values.
- Boosting cybersecurity measures to protect against digital threats.
[1] – [New FOCUS Online, February 4th, 2023][2] – [Deutsche Welle, May 13th, 2025][3] – [United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, May 13th, 2025]
- The upcoming "Pact for the Rule of Law" between the federal government and the states, as proposed by Stefanie Hubig, may include vocational training programs aimed at digitalizing the justice system, ensuring that personnel are equipped to handle the technological advancements and the challenges associated with them.
- In light of the international focus on strengthening the rule of law and digital governance, the Justice Ministers' Conference could provide a platform to discuss and implement policies on vocational training in digital law, enabling the justice system in EC countries to adapt effectively to the digital age while adhering to policy-and-legislation and politics grounded in general-news.
