After four online board meetings, the elected directors and representatives of the Belgian, Dutch, Italian, Romanian, French, Irish, Greek, Polish and German sections met in person at the Belgian Court of Cassation for the second GEMME Board of Directors meeting of 2025.
The discussions were both dense and lively, allowing for the exchange of views on the association’s situation. In 2025, the association was enriched by the accession of new members from Lithuania, Hungary and the Czech Republic. It provided a platform for the sharing of ongoing projects and actions carried out in the various sections present or between them. Caroline Verbruggen delivered a comprehensive update on the establishment of amicable settlement chambers in Belgium. The Belgian experience offers valuable lessons. Members are passionate about the conciliatory role of judges. This is well established in some countries, but new or not yet envisaged in others.
The board of directors enabled the signing of the partnership agreement with the vice-president of the Supreme Court of Ukraine and the representative of the national section of Ukraine. Ukrainian magistrates and their partners interested in promoting mediation now have access to the projects carried out by GEMME and its national sections. GEMME is proud to be working with Ukrainian magistrates and associated figures. Their insights are transforming the landscape of mediation, unveiling new approaches and innovative tools.
At GEMME Belgium’s invitation, members met with numerous mediation stakeholders from Belgium in the magnificent Gothic hall of Brussels City Hall. They discussed the progress of mediation and judicial conciliation in Europe over a cocktail reception.
The development of mediation and conciliation in Europe
The development of mediation and conciliation in European countries By Mrs Frédérique Agostini, Counsel at the French Cour de Cassation, President of Gemme Europe and President of the National Council of Mediation. Amicable settlement hearings in France By Mrs Béatrice Breneur, founder of GEMME EUROPE Recent developments in criminal mediation and reconciliation cases in the NetherlandsBy Mr Eric Van Engelen, Senior Judge/Vice-President/Head of the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal of Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.
The Belgian High Council of Justice and out-of-court settlements.
By Mr Daniel Van den Bossche and Mrs Bénédicte Inghels , Co-Presidents of the Belgian High Council of Justice.
The impetus of the Federal Commission of Médiation of Belgium
By Mrs Barbara Gayse, Director at the Federal Commission of Mediation of Belgium
GEMME members finally gathered on the terrace of the Brussels library for a convivial moment before exploring the Royal Museum’s collections, discovering iconic works evoking justice.
Many thanks to GRMME Belgium for those wonderfull days.
See you in Gdańsk, Poland, next year, at he invitation og GEMME Poland.
