Skopje, 28 July 2023 (MIA) – We have already created and drafted the legal framework according to the recommendations of the EU and the Council of Europe, but the flaws that need to be overcome are obvious. Which is why, we are ready as a Government to provide any reports or assistance to the peer review mission, so we can find the best solutions to improve the work of the Judicial Council, said Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs Bojan Marichikj after a media briefing Friday.

The Deputy PM stressed that peer review missions are a regular instrument of the European Commission aimed at improving policies in certain areas or institutions through expert knowledge. He said that in the past 7–8 years over 10 peer review missions have been in the country, and added that this is the second one after the holding of the First Intergovernmental Conference.

“Based on a peer review mission like this, we amended the Law on Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors. As a result of such missions, we expect recommendations that are meant to improve the work of the independent and regulatory bodies. We’ve had peer review missions for the public procurement system and appropriate supervision, as well as for the judiciary and specific areas of the judiciary,” said Marichikj.

Marichikj reminded that the laws on the Judicial Councils which were adopted in 2019, were created together with the European Commission, under the guidance and opinion of the Venice Commission.

“I expect the Judicial Council to have a serious, thorough mission that will analyze all weaknesses and that we will get accurate recommendations and directions from the EU experts on what we should do with regard to the laws and practices of the institution, but also its staffing,” added Marichikj.

Photo: MIA