Skopje, 25 November 2025 (MIA) – The Judicial Council presented on Tuesday a new draft program on combating corruption as well as an action plan on preventing corrupt conduct for the 2026–2029 period. According to Judicial Council President Aleksandar Kambovski, the document represents an important step for both the judicial system and the country's European integration.

Kambovski pointed out that the judiciary has a dual role, i.e. to tackle corruption cases, and to prevent corrupt conduct within its own system. The document, he added, is aimed precisely at addressing corruption outside, but also within the judicial system.

"Today is a big day for the Judicial Council. We managed to prepare a draft program on combating corruption as well as an action plan on preventing it, for the period from 2026 to 2029. This is very important for us, given the very topic it covers, i.e. corruption, which, as you know, is currently very relevant in our country and, unfortunately, found in all corners of society. One of the tasks of the judiciary is to tackle corruption through the cases processed in the courts. However, an equally important task is for the courts to deal with possible corrupt conduct within the system itself," said Kambovski.

The plan is expected to be adopted at next week's session of the Council, Kambovski added, noting that it addresses precisely the issues related to the fight against corruption, with precise steps, measures and timeframes.

He stressed that the program is not only important for the country's judiciary, but also as part of the broader reform agenda related to European integration. According to him, weaknesses of the previous plan were taken into account during the preparation of the new one.

"Not only is this program important for our country's judiciary, but an important aspect is that it is part of the reform agenda along which our country moves towards full-fledged membership in the European Union … We cannot say that we are fully satisfied with the implementation of the previous strategy, but we are satisfied that things have started to gear up. This time, having learned from mistakes, we expect a much more effective implementation", said the Judicial Council President.

As regards the role of ethics in the work of judges, Kambovski pointed out that integrity, impartiality and ethical behavior are essential for every judge. In the context of cases of unprofessional conduct, he noted that only a small number of such cases have been recorded so far, but, nevertheless, he noted that the program is introducing new mechanisms in accordance with European standards, which are aimed at more efficient detection of such conduct.

On trust in the judiciary, he warned that it cannot be restored only by adopting a single document, nor by fulfilling a single goal of the program. According to Kambovski, restoring trust in the judiciary requires time and continuity in work.

"Trust in the judiciary cannot be restored by adopting a single document, nor by fulfilling a single goal of this program. Continuity and time are needed, but I do hope that we will manage to move forward. It will not be ideal, but it will be better," said Kambovski.

Asked to comment on Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski's statements about the situation in the judiciary, Kambovski said "in his latest statements, the Prime Minister, as far as I have heard, has shown willingness to make legal amendments and propose amendments to the Parliament, where we will get financial independence".

"Financial independence is the first step. The reforms ahead of us do not only concern the salaries of judges, but include a whole package of bills, from the Law on the Judicial Council to the Criminal Code and the Law on the Academy of Judges and Public Prosecutors. The salaries of judges constitute a small portion of the package of reforms that our country has agreed to implement. So, on the European path that we are taking, the European reforms that we need to undertake encompass an array of laws. None of these laws talk about the salaries of judges. So, it is not that the reform concerns only the salaries of judges," said Kambovski.

On the need of budget funds, Kambovski said a complete overview of the situation is required first, from infrastructure to human resources.

"If we want a functional judiciary, there must be funds. From maintenance of court buildings, to salaries, contributions and professional staff, all of this costs money. Below a certain minimum, the only solution would be to close the courts," warned the Judicial Council President.

Kambovski added that once the system stabilizes, the budget needs may decrease, but at the moment it is necessary to invest so that the judiciary can function normally.

Photo: MIA