Skopje, 28 January 2025 (MIA) – The right to privacy and protection of personal data are fundamental rights of every individual, which must be safeguarded and respected in all spheres of life, including the judicial system, as highlighted during the event titled "EU Legal Framework for Personal Data Protection and the Right to Privacy in the Judiciary" organised by the Centre for Legal Research, the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors and the Macedonian Young Lawyers Association.

Marking European Data Protection Day, Justice Minister Igor Filkov, emphasized in his address at the event, as stated by the Ministry of Justice, that the judiciary is one of the most sensitive areas in terms of the processing of personal data.

"In the process of conducting court proceedings and investigations, sensitive data is often processed, which can have serious implications for individuals' rights and freedoms. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that any processing of such data is carried out with the highest level of protection and respect for privacy. Personal data is a fundamental component of the right to privacy, which is guaranteed by the Constitution and international documents. Protecting this data is not only a legal, but also an ethical imperative that safeguards citizens from abuse. The state’s duty is to ensure legal certainty for all citizens by establishing a stable legal framework that guarantees the protection of privacy and integrity of personal data in all areas of life," Filkov said.

The Republic of North Macedonia is actively working on aligning its legislation with European data protection regulations to ensure high protection of citizens’ privacy, the Justice Ministry said in a press release.

"For successful protection of personal data, close cooperation among all stakeholders is required, along with the exchange of knowledge. Data protection training will assist in building capacity and exchanging experience that will contribute to further aligning with European standards," reads the press release.

The event was organised as part of the EU funded project “Effective Justice to Protect the Fundamental Freedoms and Privacy of People in the On-line Space.”

Photo: Ministry of Justice