On 21st February 2024, EU4Justice organized a training workshop focusing on courts’ communication with the media. The workshop was delivered by two international STEs: a Spanish journalist responsible for judicial communication at the Spanish Supreme Court and a Greek lawyer specialised in judicial communication. Attended by 12 media judges and 3 staff members from the High Judicial Council (HJC) responsible for external and media relations, the workshop was opened by the HJC Chairperson. She expressed gratitude for the project’s support in implementing the HJC Communication plan.
The primary objectives of the workshop were to enhance the communication skills of media judges in their interaction with the media, provide techniques for clear and concise communication, and cultivate an understanding of media dynamics to enable effective engagement. The workshop underscored the pivotal role of effective communication in ensuring transparency, public understanding, and trust in the judiciary. Through interactive presentations, case studies and role-playing exercises the workshop sessions focused on effective communication techniques and strategies for crafting clear messages, managing interviews, and addressing complex legal issues in accessible language. Participants engaged in simulated media interviews and press conferences to practice communication skills both in supportive and challenging environments. Real-world examples were examined to highlight successful judicial communication strategies and potential shortcomings to avoid.
During the interaction with the EU4Justice Experts the participants expressed appreciation for workshop emphasizing the value of the insights and practical tools provided to enhance communication with the media. The interactive nature of the workshop was particularly commended for its role in reinforcing learned concepts in a tangible and applicable manner.