EU continues to support Serbia in advancing the efficiency of the Judiciary

At a joint press conference, held today in Vrnjacka Banja during the Annual Judges Conference, the Supreme Court of Cassation and the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia announced the commencement of a two year EU-funded project “EU for Serbia – Support to the Supreme Court of Cassation”.

EU for Serbia – Support to the Supreme Court of Cassation, worth 1.5M€, builds upon very successful EU initiative implemented through the “Judicial Efficiency” project.  The new project is designed to enhance further the capacities of the Supreme Court of Cassation and the courts, with reference to backlog reduction and prevention, introduction of the alternative dispute resolution with focus on mediation and streamlining of the case law harmonisation. Its overall objective is to contribute to the advancement of Serbia’s judicial system and Rule of Law in line with the EU accession requirements. The project is implemented by a consortium led by the British Council.

Thanks to a very intense cooperation between the “Judicial Efficiency” project team, the Supreme Court of Cassation, Ministry of Justice, the joint work of all relevant institutions of Serbian judiciary and commitment of the courts, a remarkable result was achieved: almost 1 000 000 of old enforcement cases were closed, as stated in the Annual Report of the work of the Courts. Out of the main areas, the new project has a great potential tо introduce improved mediation services, which will further contribute to decrease of number of cases, make disputes less expensive and speed up procedures when parties are looking for amicable and mutually accepted solutions – stressed ambassador Fabrizi.

During its implementation, the Project will work closely with 4 appellate courts, 25 higher courts, 66 basic courts, mediation centres and mediators.

Successful implementation of undoubtedly challenging project activities will bring in higher degree of legal certainty, easier access to justice and better transparency of the judicial system for the citizens of Serbia.

 Тhe Supreme Court of Cassation awarded the Certificate of Appreciation to the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia in recognition of the support provided to Serbian courts and judicial efficiency. President of the Supreme Court of Cassation, Mr. Dragomir Milojević awarded the Certificate to ambassador Fabrizi during the plenary session.