Skopje, 12 February 2026 (MIA) - The development of high-quality and transparent mechanisms for selection, promotion and disciplinary accountability is among the most important prerequisites for an efficient judicial system that serves citizens, Justice Minister Igor Filkov said at the 18th session of Working Group 3 – Judiciary and Fundamental Rights (Chapter 23) within the National Convention on the EU.

According to Filkov, the impartiality and independence of judges are key pillars of the rule of law.

“Only through their consistent respect can we ensure legal certainty, protect human rights and increase public trust in institutions,” Filkov noted.

He pointed out that the government and Ministry of Justice have a clear priority – ensuring full independence and increasing the efficiency of the judiciary.

“We have prepared amendments to around thirty laws, most of which are of fundamental importance to the judiciary. We have the opportunity to create a judicial system that everyone can rely on, one that is transparent, professional and impartial. With these legal measures, we strengthen the rule of law and restore citizens’ trust in judicial institutions,” Filkov said.

At the session, the Director of the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors, Irina Trajkoska Strezovski, also spoke, emphasizing that impartiality and integrity in judicial and prosecutorial decision-making are essential for safeguarding the rule of law.

“This requires proper training and adequate financial support,” she added.

Deputy Chairwoman of the Council of Public Prosecutors, Marijana Ilievska, emphasized that the state is taking steps to reform the Council, particularly in the area of appointing public prosecutors, with the aim of meeting European standards.

Member of the Judicial Council, Suzana Joshevska Anastasovska, added that the new Law on the Judicial Council provides a framework for improving procedures.

“Judicial independence is not only a privilege of judges, but also a right of citizens,” she noted.

The discussion will focus on ongoing judicial reform processes, with particular attention to legislative measures concerning selection and disciplinary mechanisms, as well as their institutional capacity to establish a sustainable and functional balance between the independence and accountability of judicial bodies. The degree of alignment with relevant European standards and recommendations will also be reviewed.

The National Convention on the European Union in North Macedonia (NCEU-MK) project is a platform for engaging the civil society sector in debates on topics related to the EU integration process, aiming to prepare all state capacities for the upcoming EU negotiation process. The project is implemented by the European Movement in North Macedonia and financed by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of North Macedonia.

Photo: MIA