Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, addressed the official opening of the 35th anniversary celebration of the Venice Commission, held in Strasbourg. Malta had the honour of presiding over this important event, which commemorates over three decades of the Commission’s fundamental work in support of democracy, the rule of law, and constitutional governance in Europe.
Speaking about the key role of the Venice Commission, Dr Attard described it as the constitutional conscience of the continent and as an essential pillar of democratic reforms. He recalled that the Commission was established in 1990 as a response to the needs of a Europe undergoing significant changes, and he praised its ability to continue providing solid legal guidance in times of institutional transition and democratic challenges.
Dr Attard emphasised Malta’s long-standing relationship with the Venice Commission, noting that Malta was one of its founding member states. He explained that in recent years, Malta has carried out a number of constitutional and institutional reforms in consultation with the Commission, which have significantly transformed the country’s justice and democratic sectors. These reforms have strengthened the independence of institutions, increased transparency, and enhanced public trust in the justice system.
The Minister reaffirmed Malta’s full commitment to the reform process, stressing that democratic reform should not be seen as a goal to be achieved once and for all, but rather as a continuous process aimed at building stronger institutions that can respond to the ever-changing demands of society. In this context, he also mentioned that constitutional amendments are currently before the Maltese Parliament, building upon the courageous reforms already implemented based on the Venice Commission’s recommendations.
He further stated that, as Malta celebrates the 60th anniversary of its accession to the Council of Europe and assumes the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, its commitment to human rights, democracy, and innovation remains absolute. He underlined the importance of digital tools in strengthening justice systems and addressing new challenges such as digital crime.
Dr Attard expressed his satisfaction that Malta contributed to the new edition of the Venice Commission’s key publication, the Rule of Law Checklist. This updated edition includes visual and accessible illustrations by Maltese artist Nadine Theuma, making the document easier to understand and more accessible to a wider audience.
Minister Attard expressed Malta’s appreciation for the Venice Commission’s ongoing and dedicated work. He stated that the Commission’s mission is not only part of Malta’s legacy but also a shared commitment among all European states to protect democracy and the rule of law for future generations.
On the margins of the celebrations, Minister Attard also held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Venice Commission, Claire Bazy-Malaurie. During this meeting, they discussed the strong cooperation between Malta and the Commission, with reference to the implementation of historic constitutional reforms, as well as the potential for further strengthening this work through additional reforms in the future.
Photo: MJR
