Filkov: We are continuously harmonizing the laws with European standards and the recommendations of the Venice Commission

Today, the Minister of Justice, Igor Filkov, participated in the celebration of the significant jubilee on the occasion of the 90th meeting of lawyers, organized by the Macedonian Association of Lawyers.

Addressing the present legal experts, professors, judges, prosecutors, attorneys and young lawyers, Minister Filkov emphasized that this tradition represents a bridge between legal science and practice, between different legal professions and generations that believe in the power of law as the basis of democracy and social order.

"Citizens today demand a judiciary that is efficient, impartial and accessible. They want court decisions that come on time, that are based on facts and evidence, and not on assumptions, and institutions that work for the public interest, not for individuals. As the Ministry of Justice, we are fully committed to fulfilling these expectations. That is why we started with reforms in the judiciary, in the Judicial Council, in the Council of Public Prosecutors and the Public Prosecutor's Office. We continuously harmonize the laws with European standards and the recommendations of the Venice Commission - for which we received positive comments from the Venice Commission, with the recommendations of GREKO and the European Commission. It is a comprehensive process that they would like to see established as practice from now on. However, it is not only laws that need to be reformed - people need to be reformed too. The law can be excellent, but if there is no integrity, knowledge and responsibility on the part of those who apply it, it remains just a letter on paper", said the Minister of Justice, Igor Filkov.

Minister Filkov also emphasized the importance of involving young lawyers, who are not only our future, but who are also the coming present.

"Our duty is to give them knowledge, tools and an example of honesty, professionalism and serving justice," added the Minister, calling for an open discussion for the new challenges that the digital era brings - from the protection of human rights to the application of artificial intelligence in the judiciary.