Prof. Laurent Pech honored in Warsaw with the Honorary Badge for Merit to the Justice System
On November 9, 2026, a ceremony took place in Warsaw, during which Prof. Laurent Pech was honored with the Honorary Badge for Merit to the Justice System. As reported by the Ministry of Justice, the prestigious award was presented by Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek, who emphasized the importance of the professor's scientific achievements in the areas of the rule of law and human rights protection.
Characteristics of the award
The purpose of awarding the distinction is to strengthen the principles of a democratic state ruled by law, shape legal culture, and ensure the proper functioning of the justice system. This badge may also be awarded to foreigners. The medal itself measures 35 mm and is made of patinated silver-colored metal.
Who is the laureate?
Prof. Pech is a French lawyer whose expertise includes European Union law, specifically issues regarding the rule of law, judicial independence, and the protection of fundamental rights. The scholar serves as the Dean and Director of the Sutherland School of Law at University College Dublin; he is also a visiting professor at the University of Bordeaux and is associated with the CEU Democracy Institute in Budapest.
During the ceremony, Minister Waldemar Żurek noted that the professor's rigorous research analyses serve as an extremely useful point of reference in times when the rule of law faces numerous challenges.