Introduction: sustaining judicial independence

Judicial independence is fundamental to the rule of law and the effective functioning of democratic governance. This introductory chapter situates judicial independence within the broader framework of EU law and fundamental rights, examining the implications of rule of law backsliding for European legal systems. It explores key CJEU jurisprudence on judicial independence, the role of preliminary references, and the tensions surrounding mutual trust in the area of freedom, security and justice. The chapter also analyses the interplay between the EU and the Council of Europe, particularly the ECtHR's role in upholding judicial standards.Through a doctrinal and comparative legal analysis, this chapter underscores the significance of judicial independence in the face of rising authoritarianism. It outlines the book's structure, balancing institutional EU enforcement mechanisms with national responses, setting the foundation for a nuanced discussion on the resilience of judicial autonomy in the EU and beyond.