Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas, Dean of the School of Law and Social Justice, has been appointed as a member of the High-Level Forum on the Future of EU Criminal Justice. The Forum, an initiative of the European Commission and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), aims to shape the future direction of EU criminal law and justice.
Bringing together EU Member State governments, institutions, agencies, prosecutors, lawyers, civil society representatives, and a select group of academics, the Forum seeks to produce key recommendations for EU criminal justice policy. Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas is the only academic member not based in the European Union.
The Forum was publicly launched in Brussels this week, with its inaugural plenary meeting taking place on 4-5 March 2025. The event was opened by EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath and Poland’s Minister of Justice, Adam Bodnar. Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas was invited to address the plenary session, where he presented his vision of a values-driven EU criminal justice system.
In his speech, he emphasised the importance of ensuring that EU legislation on substantive criminal law and criminal procedure upholds fundamental EU values, including democracy, equality, fundamental rights, and the rule of law.
Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas is well placed to advise in these areas, with his previous work having influenced policy at both national and EU levels, particularly in areas such as mutual recognition in criminal matters, counter-terrorism legislation, and data protection in criminal law enforcement. He has advised EU institutions, national governments, and international organisations on legal reforms and has been widely published in leading academic journals and books on criminal law and justice.
This appointment underscores the significance of academic expertise in shaping EU legal frameworks and highlights the growing global dialogue on justice and human rights.