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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Judicial reform central to the process of EU accession

Belgrade, 26 June 2006

Serbian Minister of Justice Zoran Stojkovic said today that judicial reform, which aims to create an efficient, good and principled judiciary, has a central place in the process of EU accession.

Zoran Stojkovic

Author: Fonet

Speaking at a press conference regarding the implementation of the National Strategy for Judicial Reform in Serbia, Stojkovic said that the aim of this strategy is to protect citizens, establish the rule of law and legal security, while preserving and restoring the confidence of citizens in the judicial system.

He recalled that the National Strategy was adopted on May 25 this year, and rests on four key principles, which are independence, transparency, responsibility and efficiency of the court system.

The government has adopted an action plan and appointed a Committee for implementing the Strategy, said the Minister, adding that now it is necessary to secure funds for implementation.

Head of the European Commission's delegation to Serbia-Montenegro Josep Lloveras recalled that the project of support for implementation of the National Strategy for Judicial Reform is being financed by the EU, through the European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR) which has allocated €3 million for the purpose.

Lloveras explained that the funds are part of the €20 million sum the EU has used to support the judiciary in Serbia since 2002.

According to Lloveras, judicial reform is a priority in the process of stabilisation and accession to the EU because it will guarantee an independent, competent and efficient judiciary.

Reform is a long term process, said Lloveras, and added that it is one of the key factors in Serbia’s further progress on its way to the EU.

Spokesman of the EAR office in Serbia John White said that the EU has allocated more than €64 million thus far to help the judiciary and police in Serbia, and the funds are meant for education of employees and computerization.

The aim of the support provided by the EU is to establish a judicial system Serbia will be proud of, and which will be independent and in accordance with European standards, said White.