Giving voice to judges: perceptions of judicial independence

Abstract

To what extent do judges in Europe feel they are independent and that their independence is respected in society? Do they feel judgments are adhered to? What factors actually affect their independence? This article reports the outcomes of the Survey among Judges of Europe, conducted by the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary in the first quarter of 2025. While judges express positive views about independence overall, their answers reflect, in particular, increasing tensions between the state powers. These concern lack of respect for judicial independence, lack of implementation of judicial decisions and difficult working conditions at the courts due, foremost, to lack of funding.