Skopje, 18 December 2025 (MIA) – A revised Integrity Policy, which covers the judiciary, the Judicial Council and the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors and now includes updated monitoring procedures and methodologies, including the manual for integrity officers in the judiciary, was promoted and signed Thursday at an event in Skopje, organized by the OSCE Mission and the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption (DKSK).

DKSK head Adem Chuchulj said the promotion and signing of the updated Integrity Policy in the judiciary is more than institutional formality.

“It’s a joint statement that integrity isn’t ‘an addition’ to justice, but its precondition, that trust isn’t expected, but it’s established patiently and responsibly. The judiciary is the pillar of rule of law. Today’s act is a signal that we understand this responsibility. Today’s event is important because we start systematically to highlight the judiciary,” he said addressing the event.

Integrity, he noted, is the foundation of good governance and a sustainable response to corruption. “The updated Integrity Policy defines integrity as a concrete professional duty, legal, independent, unbiased and transparent actions, to protect the reputation of the institutions and to eliminate risks and doubts that undermine trust,” Chuchulj stated.  

“When we talk about the integrity system in the judiciary, we are talking about a set of standards that are directly relevant to the daily work of institutions: protection of the public interest and prevention of conflicts of interest, respect for relevant codes of ethics, management of human resources based on merit and qualifications - with transparency and resistance to nepotism and undue influence, rational and efficient management of public resources, a high level of transparency and access to public information, protected reporting by whistleblowers, as a pillar of prevention, quality management systems and, what is particularly important, a gender-sensitive and inclusive perspective, since diversity affects risks and the way in which integrity mechanisms should function,” he added.

The next step, according to him, is implementation. In 2026, Chuchulj said, we will resume our cooperation with the OSCE Mission in Skopje to develop questionnaires and methodology to monitor the integrity system in the courts, the Judicial Council and the Academy.

Integrity systems exist to protect professionals in so called grey zones, said the Head of the OSCE Mission in Skopje, Kilian Wahl.

Citing the OSCE survey on the state involving corruption in the country, he said the fact that 60 percent of all judges don’t believe the existing mechanisms are efficient to protect the judiciary from external pressure and influences is encouraging.

“What we need to do now is to turn to full implementation, from signing to action, from talking to following clear standards. Integrity isn’t static, it’s a continuing process,” Wahl said.

As regards the revised Integrity Policy, he said, it contributes to the country’s expanded efforts to tackle corruption, enhance preventative measures, enhance ethical conduct and leadership, conveying a clear message that integrity is a shared responsibility.

German Ambassador Petra Drexler stressed that rule of law and respect of human rights are the key values of the EU. International order also has cracks, she said, but what is crucial for the member countries and the candidates aspiring to join the EU is to focus on the European core values.

Independent, efficient and unbiased judicial system is invaluable for rule of law, the diplomat said, and it isn’t only important how institutions function, but also how they are perceived by the public.

Mentioning the 2-percent public trust in the judiciary, Drexler said amid such circumstances, the system cannot see its weaknesses and be critical.

“Having strong integrity policies is the right approach. Ways have to be found to reinforce the resilience of the system,” concluded Ambassador Drexler.

Photo: MIA