Thematic Conference of Court Presidents on “Backlog Reduction” was held on 4 November 2013 in Teslić. The Conference was organised by the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HJPC BiH) within the framework of the EU funded (from IPA 2010) projects „Strengthening the Judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina“ and „Judicial Efficiency“, which is also financed by the Kingdoms of Norway and Sweden.

The purpose of the conference was presentation of the information about current and upcoming project activities of HJPC BiH aimed at improving judicial efficiency in BiH. Progress in achieving the Backlog Reduction Plans during the three quarters of 2013 was presented accordingly.

The conference was opened by welcome addresses by Milorad Novkovic, President of the HJPC BiH, Holger Schroeder, Head of Operations at the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Sven Marius Urke, representative of the Embassy of Norway and the Embassy of Sweden.

Mr. Novkovic stated: “In viewing the realisation of the plan and over 51,000 old cases resolved, together with the age breakdown that remains unsatisfactory, it is obvious that the courts need to invest greater efforts in the resolution of the oldest cases. We cannot allow ourselves to be deceived by short-term results, rather we must give special attention to the sustainability of our success.”  

Responsible task of administrating judicial efficiency area is given to Standing Committee for Judicial Efficiency which is established and work under the HJPC BiH umbrella. Main task of the Standing Committee for Judicial Efficiency is creating preconditions for the courts to use Backlog Reduction Plans as a tool in achieving own efficiency. Therefore, continuous improvement of preconditions for creating Backlog Reduction Plans, such as development of Guidelines for creation of Backlog Reduction Plans and improvement of other similar areas are the main goal for Standing Committee.  

Mr. Schroeder stated: “The reforms and the achievements in the judiciary over the past decade have been significant. The independence of the judiciary has been embedded and defined. Lack of efficiency remains a major concern, but the ground is prepared to achieve a significant reduction of the backlog of cases over the coming years. The EU will provide 40 million euros over the next years to assist these efforts.”

The judicial efficiency project has received a substantial amount of financial support from the European Union and the Kingdoms of Norway and Sweden.  By recognising the importance of judicial efficiency as a crucial precondition for the European integration, the EU is financing the project “Strengthening the Judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina” with 1 million EUR from IPA 2010, which cover many areas, from further advancement of the Case Management System, to greater access to online information related to court hearings, to reducing court proceedings.

Mr Urke, representative of the Norwegian and Swedish Embassies emphasized that all judges are obliged to consistently follow the instructions of the HJPC BiH, including the instructions regarding the resolution of old cases. The HJPC BiH will, in accordance with its competences and as required, undertake disciplinary measures against judges that are not respecting its instructions.

As exchange of positive experience on realisation of Backlog Reduction Plan was focus of the Conference, the presidents of two successful courts in this regard, Mostar Municipal and Mostar Cantonal court also spoke at the Conference.

Since the HJPC BiH has an important role in leading this process, the Director of the HJPC BiH,  Secretariat, Mr. Admir Suljagic, has particularly underlined the importance of previous and current donor support.

The Conference was well attended, which represent the commitment of the court presidents to fully reach EU standards when it comes to judiciary.

To read Mr. Schroeder’s speech in full, click here