23/04/2026 Session | European Convention on Human Rights | Election of Judges
PACE has introduced a series of improvements to the way it elects judges to the European Court of Human Rights to ensure a fair, transparent and efficient nomination and election process.
Adopting a resolution based on a report by Petra Bayr (Austria, SOC), presented by Agnes Prammer (Austria, SOC), the Assembly said that: “At a time when the Convention system is facing unprecedented challenges, it is more important than ever to strengthen the authority of the European Court of Human Rights, ensuring that all its judges possess the highest level of competence, independence and impartiality, and that the procedure for electing them is fair, transparent and efficient.”
The parliamentarians identified examples of good practice in the selection of candidates at national level. They also underlined the importance of candidates having substantial professional experience and knowledge of their national legal system, along with the benefits of gender balance.
They expressed concern about delays by some governments in submitting candidate lists, and proposed an amendment to the European Convention on Human Rights to limit the extension of sitting judges’ mandates to a maximum of one extra year after their nine year-term. They also addressed co-operation between the Assembly and the Advisory Panel of Experts, which advises governments on candidates.
PACE has a dedicated committee which oversees the process of electing judges to the Court.