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Setting Standards on Judicial Councils: The Spanish Case before the Venice Commission
Setting Standards on Judicial Councils: The Spanish Case before the Venice Commission

Tania GROPPI

With Opinion CDL-AD(2025)038-e, adopted at its 144th session on 9–10 October 2025, the Venice Commission was called upon to apply international standards on the composition of judicial councils to a consolidated Western European democracy, Spain, following a request submitted by the President of the General Council of the Judiciary (hereinafter GCJ). In doing so, the Opinion ultimately reaffirms that the composition of judicial councils is no longer a matter of exclusive domestic concern grounded solely in State sovereignty, but rather constitutes an integral element of a European legal order founded on the rule of law and, as such, falls within the scrutiny of European institutions.

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Election Observers as an Integral Part of Democratic Elections: The Venice Commission’s Report on Election Observers as Human Rights Defenders
Election Observers as an Integral Part of Democratic Elections: The Venice Commission’s Report on Election Observers as Human Rights Defenders

Selin ESEN

The Venice Commission frequently works in the realm of elections. It has adopted opinions and codes of good practice, guidelines, and other documents on elections, electoral procedures, electoral legislation, and referendums since its foundation in 1990.

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Constitutional Repair in Poland: The Venice Commission’s Opinion on the Draft Law Amending the Law on the National Council of the Judiciary
Constitutional Repair in Poland: The Venice Commission’s Opinion on the Draft Law Amending the Law on the National Council of the Judiciary

Francesco BIAGI

The Venice Commission is often involved in transition processes. During the Nineties, this body played an important role in assisting Central and Eastern European countries in the democratization processes following the collapse of the Communist regime…

Introduction to new IACL Blog series: Spotlight on the Venice Commission
Introduction to new IACL Blog series: Spotlight on the Venice Commission

Helle KRUNKE & Angelika NUßBERGER

The International Association of Constitutional Law (IACL) and the Venice Commission have a long-standing cooperation. They have a lot in common, especially the strong focus on democracy, rule of law, and human rights…