Judiciary

The main goal of this reform refers to strengthening the independence and integrity of the judicial system of BiH.

The implementation of integrity – related amendments to the HJPC in terms of the establishment of an integrity department and its full functionality, together with the adoption of the new Law on the HJPC and the Law on the Court of BiH are top priorities of this Reform.

Steps

4.2.1.1. Ensure that the asset declarations of judicial office holders are verified effectively by implementing the integrity-related amendments to the Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) The Integrity Department of HJPC needs to be functional so the asset declarations of judicial office holders are verified effectively. Likewise, decisions have to be transparent.

4.2.1.2. The transfer of the positions of the HJPC ICT department from project funding to the state budget is complete In order for this department to be fully operative, BiH needs to secure budget funding and implement employment procedures.

4.2.1.3. A functioning judicial appellate body is in place at the state level following adoption and implementation of a new Law on the Court of BiH BiH Law on Court needs to be adopted in line with European standards and budgetary funds need to be secured and the status of employees regulated.

4.2.1.4. A new comprehensive Law on the HJPC in line with European standards is adopted following consultations with practitioners and civil society, and taking into account monitoring results of HJPC integrity amendments; and it is implemented to ensure, among others, an independent judicial disciplinary regime, a performance appraisal system that is based on qualitative criteria, and merit-based appointments Following consultations with CSO and practitioners, The BiH Law on the HJPC needs to be adopted in line with European standards and Venice commission opinion.

4.2.1.5. The backlog in civil cases concerning utility bills is reduced by 20% and for other civil cases by 10% (baseline HJPC Report 2023 data) Consultations with key stakeholders, an action plan as well as the results of the Performance Audit recommendation, can help to reach this target.

4.2.1.6. The backlog in civil cases concerning utility bills is reduced by 50% and for other civil cases by 20% (baseline HJPC Report 2023 data) Implementing the action plan will be key to reach this target.