President Mr. Szabo,
In reply to your letter of 26 November 2024, let me once again express my gratitude for welcoming the ENCJ Executive Board delegation at the Országos Bírói Tanács (hereinafter – the OBT). We would like to hereby confirm that we will indicate the precise composition of the ENCJ delegation, and all the information related to practical arrangements to Mr. Krisztián Legény at our earliest convenience. No need of interpretation is foreseen on the side of the ENCJ, the members of the delegation will speak English. The interpretation would only be necessary if some of the Hungarian colleagues wish to speak Hungarian.
As far as English translation of the Quadrilateral Agreement, entered into by the Ministry of Justice, Supreme Court of Hungary (Kúria), National Judicial Office (OBH) and OBT on 20 November 2024 (hereinafter – the agreement), is concerned we very much look forward to receiving an official translation.
However, provided that the text of the agreement is publicly available online, it is clear that the text of the agreement is drafted in a broad manner. This leaves a wide margin of appreciation regarding the exact commitments and undertakings of the signatories, foreseen changes in the court system with regard to its efficiency and the implementation of all these provisions. We are therefore hopeful that the proposed legislative changes will be drafted and adopted under a regular legislative procedure, including proper consultation with the stakeholders, especially – the OBT.
The OBT as a democratically elected representative of the judiciary, independent of the legislative and executive powers has a duty to ensure the final responsibility for the support of the judiciary in the independent delivery of justice. We would like to encorage you to actively participate in the lawmaking process and evaluate the proposed legislative ammendments in the light of one of the cornerstones of the rule of law – judicial independence.
Yours sincerely,
Mme. Madeleine Mathieu