Minister of Justice, Igor Filkov, participated in the international conference: “Towards the EU: Strengthening the integrity and independence of criminal justice in the Western Balkans”, which is being held in Ljubljana. In the presence of many of justice ministers and high-ranking officials, Minister Filkov pointed out that we are facing an important period when we must show political will, leadership and commitment to implement all these reforms. The European Union and its institutions should continue to support this ambition, show leadership in resolving bilateral and regional problems, and continue their support on the path of Western Balkans integration.
“I come from a state and a nation that has been persistently fighting for its place in the European Union for almost two decades. On the way to this ultimate goal, we are faced with many challenges and conditions that we must meet. But, as we all know, bilateral misunderstandings and disputes with our neighbor have become the biggest obstacle to our European prospects. And you will all agree that these practices are contrary to the values of the European Union, values that are the foundation of integration, cooperation and respect for the rule of law.
Precisely for this reason, I believe that now is the moment when the European Union must show real leadership and political will. It must be clear that there is a readiness and breadth to eliminate bilateral disputes between EU candidate countries and member states. Not only within the framework of the Copenhagen criteria, but above them – in the name of regional stability and European integration.
Now is the right moment to put emphasis on the global picture and the new political reality in which modern society finds itself. The European Union must show that it is ready for new challenges and that it has the capacity to survive as a strong, united and globally competitive union. We must not miss this moment. We need to walk together. It is already increasingly certain that there will be no second chance to return to the same path. No more time to waste – we don’t have it! Europe is waiting for us!”, said the Minister of Justice, Igor Filkov, in his address.
Filkov also referred to the reforms being implemented in the sphere of justice.
“In the last few months, the Republic of North Macedonia has taken significant steps. In addition to the adoption of important laws, such as the Law on Confiscation in Civil Procedure and the Law on the Property Recovery Office, measures have also been taken to strengthen the judicial institutions. Of exceptional importance are the preparations of the new Criminal Code and the Law on Criminal Procedure, which will be harmonized with European standards and international practice. Currently, a draft law on protected reporting and whistleblower protection is in the process. In addition, the process of digitalization in the judicial system is also significant. On this occasion, I would like to emphasize the importance of the progress that our country is making in terms of the implementation of GRECO recommendations. Especially in the context of the 5th round, which concerned the central government and the Ministry of Interior.
I would like to share the information that in the period from 17-19 March 2025, at the GRECO plenary session in Strasbourg, the 5th round of evaluation for the Republic of North Macedonia is expected to be closed. This is a significant success, because out of a total of 23 recommendations made, 17 have been fully implemented, 6 have been partially implemented, and we have no unimplemented recommendations. With this, our country stands out as one of the countries that close this round of evaluation the fastest”, emphasized Minister Filkov.
