Filkov: Optimization of the court network is key to more efficient justice and greater legal certainty

The Minister of Justice, Igor Filkov, today addressed the expert debate dedicated to the amendments to the Law on Courts, emphasizing that reforms in the judiciary must be substantial, well-analyzed and created through a broad and inclusive dialogue.
In his address, the Minister emphasized that the amendments to the Law on Courts are part of a broader reform process aimed at creating a faster, more efficient and more accessible judicial system, which will ensure greater legal certainty and restore citizens' trust in institutions.
"Reforms in the judiciary must not be merely formal and declarative. They must bring real improvements in the functioning of the judicial system and better quality justice for citizens," emphasized Minister Filkov.
Special emphasis was placed on the optimization of the court network, which is proposed with the legal amendments. The existing organization of courts was created in different social and demographic conditions; there are serious imbalances in the distribution of cases and the capacities of the courts.
The proposed solutions envisage the transformation of some of the courts into court departments, in order to more efficiently use human and material resources, better distribution of cases and more efficiently manage court proceedings.
The Minister emphasized that these changes will not mean a reduction in access to justice for citizens, but on the contrary - ensuring faster, more efficient and higher-quality judicial protection. Court departments will continue to function locally, and the organizational connection with larger courts will enable better coordination and unification of judicial practice.
Within the framework of the reforms, measures are also proposed to improve the work of the courts of appeal, in order to more efficiently handle appeals and reduce the backlog of cases.
Minister Filkov stressed that all proposed solutions are based on serious analyses, data and assessments of the real needs of the courts and citizens. He sent a message that the success of the reforms will depend not only on the legal changes, but also on their consistent and responsible implementation in practice.