Empowering the Judiciary for a European Future
As part of the country’s EU accession negotiations and following the European Council’s conclusions in June 2018, North Macedonia was encouraged to focus on judicial reforms as a core pillar of its development. The project was designed to support the implementation of the New Strategy for Judicial Sector Reform, adopted in November 2017. Its mission was clear: to provide the necessary tools and framework for a stronger, more transparent, and independent judiciary.
Achieving Core Objectives: Transforming the Judiciary Step by Step
With PLANET as an implementing partner within the NIRAS A/S Consortium, the project was structured around three main objectives:
Enhancing Judicial Independence and Efficiency: PLANET developed bylaws, procedural rules, and mechanisms to strengthen the accountability and competence of judges and prosecutors, ensuring the judiciary’s independence while improving its overall effectiveness.
Building Capacity Across Stakeholders: A major focus was placed on strengthening the capacities of key judicial bodies like the Judicial Council, the Public Prosecutor’s Council, and the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors. Through targeted training, strategic planning, and optimized human resource management, the project contributed to improving the performance of these institutions.
ICT Integration for a Digitally Enabled Judiciary: PLANET worked on implementing the new ICT strategy for the judiciary sector, enhancing data management, improving digital processes, and ensuring seamless interoperability between key justice sector institutions.
Reforming the judiciary is not just about implementing new laws; it’s about transforming the very foundations of governance, ensuring that justice is served equitably, efficiently, and with transparency.
Project Completion: A Modern, Efficient, and Accountable Judiciary
The completion of this project marks a significant achievement for North Macedonia in its journey toward EU integration. With the judicial reform strategy successfully implemented, the country now boasts a more independent and efficient judiciary, strengthened institutional capacity, and an advanced ICT framework that promotes transparency and digital service delivery. These reforms position North Macedonia to meet EU standards and strengthen its rule of law framework for years to come.
