Ensuring eSignature Lawfulness for Hold Harmless in European Union

How to eSign a document: eSignature lawfulness for Hold Harmless in European Union

A fundamental value of the EU is respect for the rule of law. To that end, an independent judiciary is essential for the EU legal order, and notably for dialogue between national courts and the Court of Justice. Whilst the organisation of their judicial systems is a matter for each individual country, they must not undermine the effective judicial protection of EU rights. In recent years, cases where national government actions allegedly undermined the independence of the judiciary have been brought before the Court. The Court has, for example, clarified that an abrupt lowering of the retirement age for judges in order to oust and replace individuals, breaches EU rules against age discrimination. Moreover, any body set up to deal with challenges brought by judges forced to retire, or which can impose disciplinary sanctions on judges, must itself be independent... free from any direct or indirect influence from the legislature or government. In order to ensure that these and other aspects of the rule of law are respected, in 2022 the Court of Justice confirmed that the EU could suspend payments from the Union’s budget to a country breaching principles of the rule of law. Through these and other cases, the Court ensures that the EU and its Member States remain committed to respecting the rule of law, democratic principles and fundamental rights. Values that are shared and cherished by all Europeans.