November 2025 – December 2028

European Union/Council of Europe Joint Programme 

“Strengthening Euro-Mediterranean legal space for shared prosperity and human security (South programme VI)”

financed under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument of the European Union

 Its objective is to support the progressive enlargement of the common legal space between Europe and the Southern Mediterranean region based on international human rights and rule of law standards.

Context of the project

The CEPEJ, through its previous work under the South Programme I, II, III and IV, built strong relations with the judicial authorities and legal professionals of certain countries of the Region (Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt in particular). An "on demand" approach was pursued and aimed at meeting the specific needs of beneficiaries. Thus, responding to a request targeting the efficiency of justice the cooperation has evolved towards an approach more focused on the quality of justice and cyberjustice.

Promoting the use of CEPEJ tools through good practices sharing, round tables, conferences, workshops, and peer to peer exchanges will be essential. South Programme V builds upon the activities implemented under the previous phases, with a strengthened regional focus (regional activities targeting issues of common interest of the beneficiaries and supporting the existing regional networks) and providing tailored support to the beneficiaries of the region.

Objectives of the project

To strengthen the capacities of the Southern Mediterranean beneficiaries in the field of efficiency and the quality of justice systems, and to reinforce the dialogue and networking between justice professionals, institutions and bodies at national, regional and international level, based on the CEPEJ methodology and on European and international standards.

Expected results

• Regional events in the framework of the Arabic network of justice inspection services, the development of which was supported in phase IV and V of the South Programme
• Tailored support will be provided to the beneficiaries, on the national authorities’ demand, on specific aspects of the functioning of a judicial system,

Beneficiaries

Ministries of Justice, High Councils of Justice, justice inspection services, and other relevant beneficiaries in the region.

• Training kit (available in Arabic and French)
• Facebook page of the South Programme VI
• Website of the South programme VI
• Link to the internet page of the European Union - Southern Neighbourhood
• Facebook page of the Council of Europe office in Tunisia 
• Facebook page of the Council of Europe office in Morocco

• Overview of the CEPEJ (information leaflet)
• SATURN revised guidelines for judicial time management (CEPEJ(2014)16) - 12 December 2014
• The 15 main guidelines of the SATURN Centre for judicial time management
• Handbook (summary of the methodology) for the implementation of the tools of the SATURN Centre for judicial time management
• A model of report concerning judicial time management
• Guidelines on the role of court-appointed experts in judicial proceedings of Council of Europe's Member States (CEPEJ(2014)14), 12 December 2014
• Handbook for conducting satisfaction surveys aimed at Court users in Council of Europe's member States (CEPEJ(2010)1 - 26 novembre 2010)
• Handbook for satisfaction surveys aimed at lawyers (CEPEJ(2010)1)
• Checklist for promoting the quality of justice and the courts (CEPEJ(2008)2), 3 juillet 2008
• Recommandation CM/Rec(2010)12 on judges: independence, efficiency and responsibilities (17 November 2010)
• Guidelines for a better implementation of the existing Council of Europe's recommendation on enforcement (CEPEJ(2009)11Rev2) - 17 December 2009)