The Swedish Courts Administration is being transformed into the Swedish Courts Board, where a majority of board members are or have been judges. The reform is intended to bolster judicial independence and reduce political influence over the courts. Four nomination committees have been appointed, and all employees in general courts and general administrative courts can nominate and comment on candidates for the board, according to official sources.
The Swedish Courts Administration is preparing for the new board to start work from day one. Dialogue with the Ministry of Justice is ongoing regarding transitional provisions. Sweden has not had full membership in the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary because its current system was not considered sufficiently independent from the government, major media report.
With the reform, Sweden is expected to gain full membership. The Riksdag has taken a first decision on the reform with broad consensus, after the Social Democrats made a U-turn, according to major media. The Moderates, Liberals, and Centre Party originally wanted a more far-reaching change where the new board would not be subordinate to the government, major media report.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer noted that his party was critical when the Swedish Courts Administration was founded in 1975 and advocated for a similar organization in the 1990s, according to major media. The reform strengthens Sweden's international reputation as a rule-of-law state, major media report. The exact timeline for full implementation and whether Sweden will be granted full ENCJ membership remain unclear.