The Hungarian National Judicial Council (NJC) hosted Mr Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, and his delegation on 24 March 2025.
During his two-day official visit to Budapest, the Commissioner held, inter alia, a professional meeting with the Council. The meeting was attended by the President of the NJC, dr. Csaba Pecsenye, the Vice-President, dr. Rita Varga, and members dr. Péter Szabó, Dr. Dóra Kardos, dr. Fatime Megyesy Félegyházy, dr. Gyula Árpád Bagdi and dr. Krisztián Legény, Head of Department.
During the meeting, the Commissioner expressed his gratitude for the professional material and comments sent in the preparation of the Commission's Rule of Law Reports.
At the Commissioner's request, the President of the NJC presented the history of the Council, the rules of its election, its functioning and highlighted its new powers. During the meeting, the participants also discussed the current situation of judges' salaries and agreed that one of the most important guarantees of judicial independence is the adequate financial recognition of judges' work.
The parties emphasised that in order for the NJC to exercise its statutory powers effectively, it was essential that the executive should consult the Council on any organisational reforms affecting the judiciary.
Budapest, 26 March 2024