Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell Elected President of the Network of Presidents of the Supreme Judicial Courts of the European Union
Pictured above (L-R): President Mattias Guyomarof the European Court of Human Rights; Chief Justice O'Donnell; outgoing President of the Network Anders Eka, President of the Supreme Court of Sweden; President Dineke de Groot of the Supreme Court of the Netherlands
Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell has been elected President of the Network of Presidents of the Supreme Judicial Courts of the European Union. The election took place at the Network’s recent meeting in The Hague, continuing Ireland’s long-standing tradition of active engagement in this important European forum.
Members of the Network of Presidents at the recent Colloqium in The Hague
The Network brings together the Presidents of the Supreme Courts of the 27 EU Member States, along with Associate Members and Observers, to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation, and provide perspectives to European institutions on issues affecting the judiciary. It serves as a vital platform for dialogue on matters of common interest, including judicial independence and the rule of law.
Commenting on his election, Chief Justice O’Donnell said:
“I am honoured to have been elected President of the Network of Presidents. The Network provides an important forum for the exchange of views between Supreme Courts in the EU and a space for the collective representation of the views of national courts in dialogue with the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights. This has never been more important than today, when courts and the rule of law face challenges in Europe and beyond. Courts remain a cornerstone of constitutional democracy, and Ireland, as the largest common law jurisdiction remaining in the EU, brings a particular insight and a responsibility to ensure that voice continues to be heard.”
Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan said:
“I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell on his election as President of the Network of the Presidents of the Supreme Judicial Courts of the European Union. His election is deserved recognition of his excellence as a judge. It also recognises the high esteem in which the Irish judiciary are held in Europe. This network is an important platform for collaboration, information exchange and mutual assistance across the highest courts in Europe.
With a wide breadth of experience and acknowledged expertise in constitutional law, Chief Justice O’Donnell brings a wealth of expertise to this role. In addition to serving as Ireland’s most senior member of the judiciary since 2021, he spent over a decade as a Supreme Court Judge and his career as a practicing barrister spanned almost 30 years. Chief Justice O’Donnell has made a significant contribution to the Irish Legal system throughout his career, and I wish him every success as he takes on this pivotal leadership position.”
Chief Justice O’Donnell succeeds Anders Eka, President of the Supreme Court of Sweden, who has served as President of the Network since 2022. Before him, Bettina Limperg, President of the Supreme Court of Germany, held the presidency. Chief Justice O’Donnell has been an active member of the Network since joining the Supreme Court, serving on its Board since 2021. He has played a leading role in events hosted by the Network in Stockholm, Vienna, and most recently at a joint meeting with the Court of Justice of the European Union in March 2025. In 2024, Ireland hosted a Board meeting of the Network in Dublin as part of the programme of events marking the centenary of the Irish court system.
His election follows a tradition of leadership by Irish Chief Justices within the Network. Former Chief Justices Frank Clarke, Susan Denham, and John Murray all served as Board members.
Further information about the Network and its activities can be found at https://www.network-presidents.eu.
Photo credit: Supreme Court of the Netherlands