Rome, May 10 (LaPresse) – "The fragmentation of the unified High Council of the Judiciary into two separate councils (one for judges and one for prosecutors) may weaken the judiciary and open the way to influence over criminal proceedings; furthermore, the strong safeguards against undue external pressure could be diminished, and the protection of the unity and autonomy of the judiciary compromised." This is stated in the document approved in Yerevan, Armenia, by the European Association of Judges (EAJ). Moreover, according to the EAJ, "disciplinary proceedings, which can decisively impact judges’ careers, are a fundamental responsibility and must be entrusted to the body responsible for protecting judicial independence and ensuring the efficiency of the judicial system. This must also be reflected in the composition of the body itself and in the selection of its members."