Strengthening the efficiency and independence of the judiciary is one of the highest state priorities and a prerequisite for restoring citizens' trust in institutions, said the Minister of Justice at the conference "Strengthening the Efficiency and Independence of the Judiciary in Macedonia."
"This is a critical and decisive moment for the judicial system. We must clearly and objectively perceive the situation, because only through a precise assessment can we reach sustainable solutions," stressed the Minister of Justice, Igor Filkov, in his address.
He emphasized that the situation in the judiciary has been thoroughly analyzed and documented in relevant domestic and international documents, including the Justice Sector Development Strategy 2024–2028, the Reform Agenda 2024–2027, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and the reports of the European Commission.
Special emphasis was placed on the Roadmap for the Implementation of the Human Resources Strategy for the Judicial Network.
“This is not just a theoretical document, but a practical and applicable guide that offers a clear and achievable path for addressing the most pressing challenges in the judiciary,” the Minister emphasized.
The Ministry of Justice, within the framework of its legal competencies, during 2024 and 2025 identified alarming situations in the judiciary, which directly correspond to the weaknesses identified in the Roadmap.
“The proposed measures must be seriously considered and implemented, if we really want results that will be measurable, visible and sustainable. Reforms must ensure filling of jobs, modernization of the infrastructure, strengthening of institutional integrity and increasing public trust through transparency and high ethical standards,” said Minister Filkov.
The digitalization of the judiciary was highlighted as one of the key pillars of the reforms.
"Investments in integrated case management systems and fully digital court files are not the future - they are the present and represent a real need," said the Minister, adding that digital tools will enable more efficient allocation of resources and better access to justice.
In terms of legislative activities, the Minister informed that in the past period, about thirty laws have been prepared that implement systemic reforms in the judiciary.
The Law on the Judicial Council has already been adopted, and the Law on the Public Prosecutor's Office is expected to enter parliamentary procedure soon. Other laws have also been prepared as part of the complete reset of the judicial system.
"Our obligation as the Ministry of Justice is to create clear and enforceable laws that will be an instrument for justice and fairness. Reforms in the judiciary and the improvement of the legal framework are not quick processes that happen in a day. They are not easy, but they are necessary. We continue to work dedicatedly and together on systemic solutions," emphasized Filkov.
