The Association of Judges of Serbia hosted the Conference on material guarantees of judicial independence with the support of the joint CoE/EU project “Support for the implementation of the Judicial Reform in Serbia”. The event was organised following the annual assembly of the Judges’ Association, bringing together over 100 judges, as well as representatives of the academy and the international community.
As part of the panel on material guarantees of judicial independence, an international Council of Europe expert presented European standards, statistical data on salaries of judges in the European Union and Western Balkan states, and outlined differences in practices, depending on the number and/or types of judges in the country. Local Council of Europe experts presented the key findings of the Analysis on the comparative legal solutions of the Council of Europe Member States on financial independence of judges and public prosecutors, including the state of play in Serbia. The analysis was prepared earlier this year with the support of the CoE/EU project “Support for the implementation of the Judicial Reform in Serbia” in cooperation with the High Judicial Council and the High Prosecutorial Council.
The importance of providing adequate and predictable financial resources, fair remuneration and appropriate working conditions for judges, in accordance with European standards and recommendations of the Council of Europe, was highlighted during the discussion. Speakers emphasised that material guarantees are not a privilege, but one of the necessary conditions for protecting judges from external influence and preserving their impartiality.
The conference confirmed the importance of professional dialogue between the judiciary, the academic community and international partners on issues crucial to the independence of the judiciary. The joint CoE/EU project “Support for the implementation of the Judicial Reform in Serbia” will continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the rule of law and promoting the independence, efficiency and quality of justice in Serbia.
