Skopje, 27 October 2023 (MIA) – The European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said Friday the Commission was surprised by the lack of effective debate before the adoption of the amendments to the Criminal Code, and announced the holding of bilateral meetings in order to ensure good practice in terms of investigations and criminal prosecution of high-profile cases; reforms of legislation; the capacity to prosecute such cases in the future; as well as over the situation in the Judicial Council.

Asked about the European Commission’s position regarding the recent amendments to the Criminal Code at a joint press conference with the justice ministers of Spain and North Macedonia, María Pilar Llop and Krenar Lloga, Reynders said today they had meetings with all Western Balkan partners, and would hold additional bilateral meetings regarding the reforms.

“There are two-three elements here. Firstly, we were surprised by the lack of effective debate and consultations over the reform. When adopting reforms, I always say it is important to exchange positions with the EC before the adoption of such legislation. As I said, with some countries of course we need to be reserved, to avoid adopting laws with the European flag under fast-track procedure,” said Reynders at press conference.

Reynders said the effects of the amendments, as well as ongoing high-profile corruption cases will be discussed.

“The reduction of fines and the expiration of the statute of limitations will mean impunity. Of course, we want to see a response, to see the prosecutions continue. This, of course, will be a bilateral discussion. We voiced our position that we are concerned in terms of the criminal prosecutions,” said Reynders.

Asked about an assessment of the judicial system in the country, Reynders said the Commission’s report which will be published by the end of November will provide a complete assessment.

“However, just two remarks. What I said about the criminal courts, there has to be good practice in terms of the investigations and the criminal prosecution of high-profile cases. That will be a part of the bilateral discussion, not only over the Criminal Court, but also about the reforms and the capacity to prosecute such cases in the future, as well as over the situation with the Judicial Council and the amendments that were made,” said Reynders.

Photo: MIA