A workshop on drafting the reform in three important rule of law areas in Kosovo is underway. The EU-funded project, EUKOJUST, is supporting justice institutions in drafting the Concept Document on Civil Procedure Code, Concept Document on Administrative and Labor Justice, and on the initiative to amend the Law on Special Chamber of the Supreme Court. The current reforms represent an ideal opportunity for tangible improvement in the three areas that these documents aim to address.
Representatives of Kosovo’s highest justice institutions pledged to contribute to the process of drafting concept papers that will assist in the process of reforming the areas that have so far lagged in operation.
The Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, expressed her commitment that everything requested from the Ministry of Justice will be addressed. “I am aware of the problems you face on daily basis. I know we have many challenges, but just as there is no lack of will, we will prioritize the problems and we will address them until solved completely”, said Haxhiu. Minister Haxhiu praised the assistance and support that EUKOJUST is providing to this very important process for citizens, the country, and the judiciary in general.
The Chair of the Kosovo Judicial Council, Albert Zogaj, expressed his gratification that the initiative of the Council, the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court is now becoming real with the support of EUKOJUST. “This makes me believe that the results will be fast and visible,” said Zogaj. He commended the involvement of the judiciary in such a large and voluminous composition for such initiative, while this may be the first time. Zogaj said that the issues identified in the system by the Council, the Ministry and the Supreme Court make necessary the substantial reform of procedural justice in Kosovo.
The President of the Supreme Court, Enver Peci, expressed his gratification with the comprehensive commitment of institutions in this workshop for an important process of reforming the justice system, in particular for the constructive and positive spirit of work in the workshop. He agreed on the need for reform in terms of the functioning of some units where delays have been identified. Peci said that addressing these issues is a challenge, but he was optimistic that with the will and commitment of all the best legal modalities in terms of well-functioning will be found.
EUKOJUST Team Leader, Volkmar Theobald, said to be delighted to the growing cooperation with institutions and to witness project’s support intensifying. Theobald emphasized that today’s event marks the start of the reform in three areas that EUKOJUST shall support the Ministry of Judicial Council. On behalf of the EU Office in Kosovo, project manager Nicola Scaramuzzo addressed the workshop.
